Hawke's Bay

What makes the Hawke's Bay region stand out?

Located on the North Island, the region enjoys abundant sunshine and a warm maritime climate, reminiscent of the Bordeaux region in France. It is rich in different soils – from river valley gravel to clay, allowing winemakers to create very diverse production. When choosing from this category, note the main styles:

• Bordeaux-Style Blends: Hawke's Bay is famous for beverages created from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varieties. It is a structured, mature, and powerful red wine smelling of blackcurrants, plums, and spices.
• Elegant Syrah: In the Gimblett Gravels subregion, exceptionally elegant beverages hinting at black pepper and flowers are pressed from Syrah berries, rivaling the best Northern Rhône examples.
• Rich Whites: If you like a fuller body, the region's Chardonnay will enchant you. It is a weighty, creamy, and peach-scented white wine.

Food pairing tips

Powerful red blends and Syrah from Hawke's Bay perfectly pair with roast lamb, beef steaks, and game. Meanwhile, an aged, creamy Chardonnay will ideally complement roast chicken, pork, and richer fish dishes, as well as mild cheese snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gimblett Gravels?

This is a highly famous and specific zone in Hawke's Bay, distinguished by deep gravel soil. This soil absorbs the sun's heat during the day and releases it to the vines at night, allowing heat-loving red grapes to ripen perfectly.

Are Hawke's Bay wines suitable for aging?

Yes, high-quality Bordeaux blends and Syrah have an excellent tannin structure, so they can successfully age in the bottle for 10 or more years. These make highly valuable gifts for collectors.

Is Sauvignon Blanc grown here?

Yes, Sauvignon Blanc is also grown in the region, but compared to the Marlborough region, it tends to be somewhat riper, with a tropical fruit (melon, passion fruit) profile and softer acidity.