WINES FROM MARTINBOROUGH

SMALL BUT FLAVOURFUL

“I’m looking forward to seeing some elegant and intense wines from the 2015 Martinborough vintage,” says Jeremy Corban (Big Sky Wines) and Chairman of Wines from Martinborough.

He’s echoing winemaker views about “a very different year” for the Martinborough grape harvest. A “cold and windy November” took its toll on the grapes, reducing the crop by as much as half for many vineyards. The hot dry summer months were welcome and harvesting started in late March much as normal for the majority of the crop, although April rain slowed things down a bit.

“While the rain complicated the harvest for some, most people I’m talking to are saying the same thing – a smaller crop than usual, maybe 25% to 30% down, but excellent quality fruit,” said Jeremy Corban.

“Winemakers are talking about good looking fruit, rich fruit flavours and colours, with small and intensely flavoured Pinot Noir berries in particular. That spells memorable Martinborough wines,” he concluded.