Winepress August 2011

WINEPRESS Issue No. 206 / August 2011

Photo: Jim Tannock

The Official Magazine of

www.wine-marlborough.co.nz

THE WAIT IS OVER! 2011 MARLBOROUGH CELLAR DOOR MYSTERY SHOPPER RESULTS ANNOUNCED For the 5th consecutive year Wine Marlborough has tasked an independent mystery shopping business (Customer Care Ltd) to visit the region’s cellar doors in an effort to appraise the standard of service that visitors to our wineries receive. With over 15,000 people expected to travel through Marlborough during the Rugby World Cup it’s fundamental that our Cellar Door standards are of the highest quality and of a world class standard.

In new moves for 2011 Wine Marlborough gave the regions 44 Cellar Doors the option of being ‘mystery shopped’ and replaced the ‘Supreme Cellar Door’ award with the new ‘Highly Commended Cellar Door People’ award.

Of those Cellar Doors who participated in the ‘2011 Cellar Door Mystery Shop’ 71% achieved a Gold standard with an overall group performance of 89% which indicates the Cellar Doors are doing a stellar effort - not only showcasing our elite Marlborough wines but showcasing the Marlborough wine region.

Gold Category for 2011: (Scoring 90% or more) • Allan Scott Wines • Auntsfield Estate • Bouldevines Wines • Brancott Estate Winery • Clos Henri Vineyard • Cloudy Bay • Forrest Estate • Gibson Bridge Wines • Hunter’s Wines • Nautilus Estate • No 1 Family Estate • Spy Valley Wines • Villa Maria Estate • Wither Hills • Yealands Estate Highly Commended Cellar Door People for 2011: • Jan Whillans - Auntsfield Estate • Jo Trotter - Forrest Estate Wine Marlborough believe all the cellar doors listed are on the ‘must visit list’ for Marlborough. Make sure you pick up your free copy of the Marlborough Wine Trail Map from the Wine Marlborough office or any Marlborough i-site.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED!

In this issue...

Regulars

Features

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8

6

Editorial

Tasman Crop Met Report

34 Wine Happenings News From Home and 35 Away

All correspondence including advertising / associate memberships / change of address to: Wine Marlborough PO Box 511, Blenheim 7240 T: 03 577 9299, F: 03 577 9298 E: admin@wine-marlborough.co.nz www.wine-marlborough.co.nz

Printed by: Blenheim Print Ltd. T: 03 578 1322 WINEPRESS is printed with vegetable oil based inks on elemental chlorine free paper which is sourced 100% from well managed forrests and manufactured under ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.

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New Zealand Winegrower’s Exporter’s Forum

We look at some of our major markets and how Marlborough along with New Zealand is faring in them. Plus some tips on getting your wines into China and the US – both very tough markets to crack.

p11

Winepress Celebrates 20 Years

In August 1991, the very first edition of Winepress came off the photocopying machine, (there were no fancy printing presses for us back then.) This month we celebrate 20 years of providing information, research, news and even gossip, with a quick look back over the past two decades.

You Can Control Powdery Mildew

p16

It can be devastating for a grower to suddenly realise that powdery mildew has taken over in the vineyard. But according to Dr Peter Magerey you can control this fungal disease – by working in advance.

Silver Secateurs and Markhams’ Young Viticulturist

It was a full on day for the contestants in both the Silver Secateurs and the Young Viticulturist of the Year. We have the final results and a photo gallery of the day.

p26

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08/2011 WINEPRESS

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“Plants 08/2011 WINEPRESS

The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

Field

Produced by:

From the Editor

Wine Marlborough Free to all levy paying members Associate Members: $77 +GST Editor: Tessa Nicholson 16 Bank Street Blenheim

Welcome to the 20th anniversary issue of Winepress. It was in August, back in 1991 that the very first copy of Winepress was sent out to the then small group of grape growers here in Marlborough. It wasn’t alone in terms of regional newsletters – but it is now by far the most successful – in terms of longevity.

No other wine industry magazine, produced here in New Zealand can beat Winepress for continuity – with the exception of Cuisine, which is older by about four years.

T: 021 709 571

An awful lot of the credit for that has to go to the original editor, David Barnsley, who

E: tessa.nicholson@me.com

set up the “newsletter” and over the years developed it into a must-read magazine.

If you wish to make contact with any member of the Wine Marlborough Board, the following are their email addresses.

Dominic Pecchenino: nzyanks@xtra.co.nz

Personally I am incredibly proud to be associated with it, but I am also proud to be playing a role within the highly successful Marlborough wine industry.

There are however some other people who need to be thanked in this the 20th anniversary. They are the loyal band of advertisers, who have stuck with the magazine through good times and bad.

What I find most humbling is that the companies that were there at the beginning when David was establishing Winepress, are still major advertisers today. The first three

Anna Flowerday: ajflowerday@xtra.co.nz

businesses who agreed to David’s cajoling, were David Rose Contracting, Cuddon’s

Blair Gibbs: blair@spyvalley.co.nz

Fruitfed became a major sponsor very early on in the piece, and all four ensured the

James Jones: james@starborough.co.nz

When looking back at those early editions, I noticed David imploring readers to

Ivan Sutherland: ivan@dogpoint.co.nz

Winepress would not be still going strong after 20 years if the industries that support

Ben Glover: ben@witherhills.co.nz Peter McLeod: peter.mcleod@pernod-ricard-nz.com

Engineering and Ormond Nursery. magazine had the finances to continue month by month. support those that supported the magazine. I can’t help but agree. you as growers or winemakers, hadn’t put their money where their mouth is.

I can’t thank them enough and would like to give my personal thanks to John Cuddon, David Rose, Ben Wickham and the team from Fruitfed, who have stuck by us for 20 years. And to everyone else who has been a part of the magazine during that time.

So 20 years down – here’s hoping someone will be writing a similar editorial in 2031!

Ruud Maasdam: ruud@staetelandt.co.nz Clive Jones: cjones@nautilusestate.com Richard Rose: kvl@silkweb.net.nz Guy Lissaman: glissaman@xtra.co.nz

TESSA NICHOLSON tessa.nicholson@me.com

The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

08/2011 WINEPRESS

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08/2011 WINEPRESS

The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

Congrats Winepress Hamish Young – Chairman of

that was widely read amongst the wine

20 years of success, an achievement

Marlborough Grape Growers 1991

industry. Growing grapes, making

that needs to be acknowledged and

Like many farming organisations the

wine and ultimately being successful in

celebrated. So I ask you to raise your

Marlborough Grape Growers Association

the marketing of the product is about

glass to David Barnsley and Tessa

was started by a group of mostly farmers

promoting the region.

Nicholson. Winepress: Happy 20th, a well

who grew grapes for a living. We were all novices to a new industry and were keen to gain knowledge and promote our region and product. The arrival on the committee of David Barnsley was in many ways a breath of fresh air, he bought with him not only his Welsh humour and cynicism but also a specialisation in the teaching of English and the ability to write.

As Chairman of the Association and as there were no other volunteers, I had attempted to produce a newsletter; a few editions were published with the help of the then fledgling Research Centre, but it was a struggle to balance growing grapes, industry promotion and family.

I recall after one newsletter where I had included a short poem I had written about grape harvesting, being approached by David who told me my punctuation was non-existent, my spelling not much better and my ”iambic pentameter” did not rhyme. I immediately asked him if he was interested in producing the newsletter, if so I would put his name forward to the committee, luckily he agreed. The committee had no hesitation in the appointment.

David immediately began the production of the newsletter, he coined the name, “Winepress”. Over the next few years we became the envy of all the other wine areas with a very professional publication

Dominic Pecchenino – Chairman Marlborough Winegrowers

deserved milestone.

Salute

I arrived in Blenheim in February 1994

Philip Gregan, CEO New Zealand

and was first introduced to Winepress

Winegrowers

shortly thereafter. My first impression

Congratulations Winepress! Twenty years

was what a great service and vehicle to

of recording, reporting, analysing and

communicate with the grape growers in

commenting is a singular achievement.

Marlborough. To have the foresight to

Twenty years at the very heart of the

publish an industry publication such as

Marlborough wine industry, through the

Winepress was a great vision for such

many ups and the odd down.

a young and relatively small industry

At the time of the first issue, the

at the time. I would like to congratulate

Marlborough wine industry was a mere

David Barnsley for his vision, diligence,

shadow of its current manifestation.

perseverance, and endless hours

Divide every number you know by 10 or

needed to get Winepress off the ground.

more and that would probably overstate

Individuals such as David are true

the size of the Marlborough grape and

pioneers in the establishment of excellent

wine sector back then.

services that we now take for granted

Winepress has been there ever since,

and expect.

reflecting the vision, the hard work and

David was editor for the first 13 years of

the challenges growers and wineries

Winepress when it was predominately a

have overcome. Winepress has

grape grower’s magazine. When David

documented the growth in the industry,

stepped down, Tessa Nicholson took

indeed has been part of that growth,

over as editor. Under the guidance and

but has never been afraid to add an

vision of Tessa and the Marlborough Wine

independent voice.

Growers Board of Trustees Winepress

All the very best for the next twenty

has become a leading publication for the

years. If is anything like the past twenty,

entire wine industry and has expanded

Winepress will have a lot of success to

into a quality magazine with a broad

report on, and the occasional challenge

readership both within and outside of

as well.

Marlborough.

I would like to congratulate Winepress and our two outstanding Editors on

The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

08/2011 WINEPRESS

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Met Report Table 1: Blenheim Weather Data – July 2011

July July Period

2011 LTA of LTA

July 2011 compared to LTA

July 2010

GDD’s for month -Max/Min¹ GDD’s for month – Mean²

5.1 18.1

10.0 22.6

(1996-200) (1996-2010)

-4.9 -4.5

1.8 15.2

Mean Maximum (°C) Mean Minimum (°C) Mean Temp (°C) Mean Temp (°C)

13.1 2.5 7.8 7.8

12.4 1.5 7.2 7.8

(1932-1980) (1932-1980) (1932-2000) (1986-2010)

+0.7°C +1.0°C +0.6°C Equal

13.0 2.3 7.7 7.7

Ground Frosts (<= -1.0°C) 18

19.0 14.9

(1932-1980) (1986-2010)

1 fewer 3.1 more

17

Air Frosts (<0.0°C) 7

12.4 7.6

(1932-1980) (1986-2010)

5.4 fewer 0.6 fewer

6

Sunshine hours 176.1 Sunshine hours – lowest Sunshine hours – highest Sunshine hours total – 2011 1305.9

158 119.6 230.8 1368

(1930-2000) 1996 1952 (1930-2000)

111%

164.7

99%

1315.6

Rainfall (mm) 40.6 Rainfall (mm) – lowest Rainfall (mm) – highest Rainfall total (mm) – 2011 372.4

66 9.9 174.1 382

(1930-2000) 1930 1998 (1930-2000)

62%

57.6

97%

466.6

Evapotranspiration – mm

52.9

32.6

(1996-2010)

162%

38.4

Avg. Daily Windrun (km)

249.6

231.2

(1996-2010)

108%

196.9

Mean soil temp – 10cm

4.6

4.8

(1986-2010)

-0.2°C

5.4

Mean soil temp – 30cm

6.7

7.0

(1986-2010)

-0.3°C

7.4

¹GDD’s Max/Min are calculated from absolute daily maximum and minimum temperatures ²GDD’s Mean are calculated from average hourly temperatures Temperature and Frosts The mean temperature of 7.8°C was 0.6°C above the long-term average temperature (1932-2000) for July of 7.2°C. However, the mean of 7.8°C was equal to the long-term average recorded over the 25 years 1986-2010.

As detailed in previous Met Report articles, this highlights the warmer winter temperatures that Blenheim has experienced over the past 25 years compared to earlier in the 20th century.

This warmer winter trend is also shown in figures 1 and 2 for numbers of ground frosts.

The average temperature for the

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seven months January to July 2011, for Blenheim was 13.7°C; equal to the average recorded for the first seven months of 2010. Both 2010 and 2011 recorded the warmest first seven months of the year since 1999.

Tuesday 26 July 2011 recorded a ground frost (grass minimum) of -8.3°C at the Grovetown Park weather station.

This is the coldest ground frost on record for Blenheim for the 40 year period 1972-2011. The minimum air temperature recorded on the same day was -3.1°C, the lowest recorded since 2004.

The old Meteorological Service

The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

publication “Summaries of Climatological Observations to 1980” summarises Blenheim’s weather for the period 19301980. It does show that colder ground frosts were recorded during this period.

However, ground frost records are not available in electronic form prior to 1972, to enable a search of the specific dates.

Weather data records for Blenheim prior to 1986 are held by NIWA and the earlier records have presumably not been entered into a digital format from the manually recorded paper records.

At the Dashwood weather station in the Awatere Valley the ground frost was -9.0°C and the air frost was -4.7°C on Tuesday 26 July 2011.

Eighteen ground frosts were recorded for July 2011, whereas 17 were recorded for July 2010. The long-term average number for July is 14.8 over the past 25 years (1986-2009); down from an average of 19 over the 49 period 19321980. Seven air frosts were recorded for July 2011, compared to 6 in July 2010.

Figure 1 presents the long-term frost record for Blenheim for July and figure 2 is the total number of frosts per annum.

Both of these graphs clearly show the declining number of frosts since the 1970s. There is a slight upward trend in the last three years for the number of frosts in July. How long will this upwards trend continue?

The long-term average number ground frosts per annum 1932-1980 = 86.1 The long-term average number ground frosts per annum 1986-2010 = 51.9 Despite there being a good number of frosts during July 2011, there were only three days during the month when the maximum daily temperature didn’t make it above 10°C, i.e. July lived up to reputation for Blenheim, with cold mornings followed by bright sunny days.

In fact, 13 of the 18 days that recorded

Rainfall July 2011 recorded 40.6 mm rain, or 62% of the long-term average. Blenheim recorded a high rainfall total of 187.6 mm in the late autumn 2011 (April-May); 159 percent of the long-term average of 118 mm. The first two months of winter 2011 (June-July) have recorded 102.2 mm; 83 percent of the long-term average of 123 mm. June-July 2010 recorded 212 mm rain, or more than twice as much as in 2011.

Figure 1: Number of ground frosts in July (1932-2011)

Wind July 2011 recorded 249.6 km average daily wind run, slightly higher than the long-term average of 231.2 km. In contrast July 2010 was very calm, with 196.9 km wind-run.

Evapotranspiration I would not normally comment on evapotranspiration in the winter as it is not particularly relevant in relation to plant water use. However, as pan evaporation is no longer recorded, evapotranspiration is the next best measurement.

Evapotranspiration for July 2011 at 52.9 mm was a lot higher than in any previous years since 1996; when records began.

The average for 1996-2010 is 32.6 mm.

High evapotranspiration in July 2011 was driven by lower rainfall, higher solar radiation, higher wind run and lower relative humidity.

Figure 2: Total number of ground frosts per annum (1932-2010)

Rob Agnew Plant & Food Research

ground frosts in July recorded above average sunshine hours.

Sunshine July 2011 recorded 176.1 hours sunshine or 111% of the long-term average for July of 158 hours. Total sunshine hours for Blenheim for January to July 2011 are 1305.9, or 99 percent of the long-term average total of 1368 hours.

Blenheim recorded 2.1 hours more

sunshine than Nelson and 26.5 hours more than Whakatane in July 2011. This is the fourth month in a row that Blenheim has recorded a higher total than Nelson.

However, Nelson is still 32 hours ahead for the year to date, with a total of 1337 hours, compared to Blenheim with 1305 hours. This is a legacy of Nelson having recorded much higher sunshine hours in January and February 2011. Blenheim is also trailing Whakatane by 16.5 hours.

Horticultural Supplies NZ Owned & Operated A MEMBER OF HORTICENTRE GROUP

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The Australian Market – Not Yet Saturated

BY TESSA NICHOLSON

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is the highest selling white wine in Australian. Some may say we have saturated the market – but that’s not the case according to the latest Nielsen Research.

At the recent New Zealand Wine

our growth in value, volume and premium

“I believe Sauvignon Blanc still has

Exporter’s Forum, Michael Walton

price point is not as high in Australia as it

enormous potential in the Australian

reviewed the latest Nielsen statistics

is in the UK and US.

market. And the reason for that is,

to come out of our three major export

In the UK, our premium price point is

the areas in which we have won

markets. Of particular interest to

30% higher than the average wine price.

consumers tends to be the youngest

Marlborough, is Australia, especially

In the UK it is a massive 70% higher. In

age group. However the people who

given how much of our product already

Australia however, it is just 20% higher.

tend to consume more volume are the

goes there.

Still not a bad place to be, according

older consumers. So we still have an

While our other markets of UK, US and

to Walton, but there are opportunities to

opportunity of increasing the amount of

New Zealand are all showing concern

improve on that.

bottles of New Zealand wine that older

about the recession, Australia is far less worried. In fact when nearly 7000

%

respondents were asked what three things worried them most at the moment, fuel prices, economy and debt were raised by those in the UK, US and NZ. In Australia, while they were also concerned about petrol and utility bills, the other major concern was getting a proper work/ life balance. Sixty-seven per cent of those in Australia said they believed they had good job prospects if they wished to find a new career. Compare that with 16% in the UK and 29% in the US. So Australia may very well be the land of opportunity and prosperity at the moment, which means it is a very good market for New Zealand to be pushing its wine. However current trends show

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The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

virtually all the retailer brand competition is currently in the sub $10 price range, with some in the $10 - $15.

“There is free space above $15 and free space above $20. That is the big distinction.”

One area New Zealand could work in, is the daily deal websites, which have yet to take off in Australia the way they have in New Zealand.

“Wine has not been targeted for daily deal websites, where you get pinged with a deal and you buy on the day. These are phenomenally growing parts of the

Figure 2

market place. Take advantage of that.”

Figure 3

have dropped. Once

Monty James, NZW’s marketing

you begin dissecting

manager in Australia, said while only

the prices being paid

9% of Australian retail is sold online, the

for retailer brands,

average price is 25% higher than wine

versus New Zealand

being sold via any other channel.

bottle wine, things do

“The channel suits younger consumers.

appear better he said.

It is right for New Zealand wine, as there

(See figure 2.)

are more opportunities to tell your brand

“So have you taken

story, particularly on-line, to get copy,

a mammoth price

photos, interaction via social media and

reduction? Not really.

more opportunities to have a diverse

You have taken a bit

range direct.”

over all, but if you look

While it is very worth while looking at,

at the disparity between

James said be aware that the big guys

those retailer brands

are playing in this field as well.

and your brands, the

“Your opportunities with the majors, may

gap is still hugely wide. To be clear the

be different with direct channels than they

age groups buy and latching them onto

retailer controlled brands, like Coles or

are with bricks and mortar channels. So

the New Zealand story, particularly the

Woolworths are predominantly selling sub

if you are working with them, ask about

Sauvignon Blanc story.”

$10. That is what is bringing your price

opportunities on-line.”

Research shows that since 2002,

down. Branded prices are holding very

Given the sweet spot for New Zealand

New Zealand bottled wine sales in

well.”

wine is in the $15 - $20 and above, the

Australia have risen from a retail value

Breaking the Australian market down into

following Nielsen figures show how we

of $25 million, to $250 million last year.

price brackets, Walton said the sub $10

are currently doing.

However retailer brands make up a huge

market has grown, the $10 - $15 bracket

The graph (Figure 3) represents red

percentage of that growth – more than

grew and has now stabilised, the $15 -

and white wine share. In the $15 - $20

60% in the past 12 months. With the

$20 has done the same and the over $20

category, New Zealand’s market share

increase in retailer brands – price points

market is continuing to grow. In essence,

is nearly 37% of all sales. However

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Figure 4

$15 and $20 is now a

In the over $30 category, the growth for

battle of the brands. You

Sauvignon Blanc is stronger, but James

are competing against

said it is with established brands only.

your neighbour, more so

“It is very, very difficult if you are not

than competing against

an established brand to be selling

an Australian brand.”

Sauvignon Blanc at above $30 in the

There are however some

market right now. Pinot Gris though has

very real opportunities for

had fantastic growth – 52%. I know we

Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir

always used to say that it was starting

so long as you can make

from a low base, but now Pinot Gris over

money in that price range.

$20 is starting to become a mainstream

In the over $20 category

variety for Australia. So if you are selling

(Figure 4), New Zealand

Pinot Gris into Australia, be excited.”

has had 26% growth and

On one final note – Chardonnay is back

now holds 12% of the

in Australia – in the higher price bracket

market share in this price

of over $20 there has been 19% growth.

range.

“What’s driving this renaissance is the

“So the next time the

refinement of the style, the lighter, less

distributor turns round to you and says

heavily oaked and cool climate sourced.

James warns that there is little room for

the market is only interested in cheap

Chardonnays. So if you produce one of

expansion in this category.

Kiwi wine, email them this slide.”

those, again be excited.”

“Sauvignon Blanc has reached a point

James said the opportunities for red wine

at the $15 - $20 mark where it can’t grow

in this category are extremely high. Pinot

much any more. I think the comment

Noir has seen a 13% value growth, while

about selling Sauvignon Blanc between

Sauvignon Blanc has grown 7%.

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Two Tough Markets – China and the US

BY TESSA NICHOLSON

Both China and the US have the potential to become our biggest export markets. But both are hard eggs to crack. The US because of the three tier system (and the dollar) and China because of multiple unknowns.

At the recent NZW Exporter’s Forum, both markets were dissected and examined, in terms of potential and pitfalls. In the case of China, Fongyee Walker, owner of DragonPhoenix Wine Consultants, said with 4 billion people, the potential is massive. But despite grape wine being referred to in ancient literature as far back as 8BC, it is still a relatively unknown alcoholic beverage with the vast majority.

Back in 2001 tax on imported wines dropped from over 300% to around the current 48%. In New Zealand’s case that will drop to 0% next year, thanks to a free trade agreement between the two countries.

However it is not price that impacts on the growth of wine sales. It is a lack of knowledge and the refusal of certain sectors of the population to move away from more traditional forms of alcohol.

Fongyee’s Wine Consultancy business is doing all it can to change that perspective but she says they are doing it alone – given there are no other wine educational businesses registered in the whole of China.

So who is drinking wine? She said there are almost no wine drinkers over the age of 65. The 45 – 65 may drink occasionally, but most prefer traditional beverages. Below 45, there is an

increasing awareness of wine – but these drinkers tend to be more inclined to drink French wine. It is the under 25s that New Zealand should be targeting – for a number of reasons.

“These are the new generation – they are a single child, indulged and they want to be westernised and seen as being fashionable. They have overseas experience and are demanding more luxury goods. In China, wine is seen as a luxury product.

“There is a backlash against Chinese spirits, particularly amongst women. It is now viewed as an older generational drink. Wine is being drunk more by women and don’t forget that in China, women are a substantial proportion of business people. There is a growing demand for on-trade without food. But there is a huge need for education.

People are dying to know about wine, but it is difficult, confusing, it is couched in a language they are not familiar with.”

That educational factor is something that cannot be underestimated she said. There is a burning desire among the younger generation to find out as much as they can about wine – and people are more than willing to pay for that education. Given China is not open to Western social media, Fongyee

Fongyee Walker said promoting your wines on Youtube or twitter cannot help promote them in China.

Fongyee herself had uploaded to the Chinese equivalent of Youtube a short film she had taken at Felton Road winery.

She was amazed at the number of hits and the positive comments it received.

It is a potential marketing tool for New Zealand wine companies she said, so long as they ensure it is written in correct Chinese.

“No other wine country or company apart from one French company is actually awake to it yet. But the idea is to get out there, create a buzz and get people passing it on. It fits well, because the market New Zealand is aiming for is very on-line.”

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While a lot of people in China are drinking wine, 80% of that is domestic wine, which is being produced very cheaply.

Frighteningly, 50% of the total wine imports into China are in bulk, which is being mixed with Chinese wines and selling for around �50 cents a litre.

“This is what a lot of people associate with wine, and I will tell you something – it is not very nice wine. That is a big problem. A lot of people drink wine, not because they like it, but because they feel they should. They don’t particularly like the taste, because the taste of these wines is not very good.”

As for the market itself – that is a major issue for exporters. Fongyee said more than 50% of imported wine goes into three tier one cities. But the potential outside those major three is enormous. A recent publication measuring disposable income in China showed that the major cities of Shanghai and Beijing weren’t as high up that disposable ladder as many had thought.

City (2010) GDP per

Per capita disposable

capita (RMB) income (RMB) Shenzhen

92,771

28,838

Shanghai

77,556

28,837

Guangzhou 88,834

28,266

Wenzhou

32,595

28,021

Hangzhou

70,832

26,864

Beijing

68,788

26,738

Suzhou

117,200

26,320

Dongguan

56,591

25,320

Tianjin

55,473

21,402

Wuxi

73,053

17,175

“There are many cities like Guangzhou and Hangzhou that have very exciting markets. These are places people go on holiday, they are in a good mood and the people are wealthy. They have as much to spend as the people in Beijing. This is a very interesting development. The growth model is very much in the second tier city. Tier one is becoming incredibly over populated, with wine importers, wine clubs, wine shops. You should consider just going straight to tier two.

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Not everyone needs to be or should be in Beijing or Shanghai.”

Whether you should concentrate on inland or a coastal market, is another area to be considered by exporters Fongyee said.

“It is growing faster in inland China, where I do a lot of my work, in the second tier cities. However it is true that the more sophisticated consumer is on the coast.

So if you have a mainly white portfolio, I would suggest you go for the coastal cities. If you have a more heavily red portfolio, that would definitely suit going for more of the inland cities – it would give you more of a future.”

Bear in mind also that the financial growth of the population is on the increase. Within a decade it is estimated the people living in the top 10 cities in China will have the same spending power as a European city dweller.

“That is quite considerable. We are not there yet, but to be in this market you have to be there for the future. If you go in and show commitment and education, you can be there when these people in the middle and upper classes have a lot of money.”

There were a few other pearls of wisdom regarding the Chinese market. Fongyee said if you are aiming at the traditionalist market – then bottle in cork “Not so important for the non traditionalist. Young kids, when you show them a screw cap and explain it, they totally get it. “ Take with you lots of little gifts, as gifting is vital in the Chinese market. Packaging is everything – preferably in the bright colours of red and gold which mean good luck and prosperity. English words are extremely hard for Chinese to understand. Fongyee said it is important to remember that for most people wine is meant to be red. White is not as well known, and rosé just totally confuses.

Translation of your label is absolutely vital.

“You must go into China with a united policy of how to translate your region,

The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

and your grape. Because if you write it in English, there will total zero recall. Work with your importer on your back label.

You now have to translate what is on your current back label – so make sure it is translated well. Get it independently checked. Media is something you can work on. There is a plethora of wine magazines in China. They are keen to talk, but as most have a low knowledge of wine, they appreciate pictures, stories, DVDs. Help them, educate them and they will help pass the message on.”

Chuck Hayward American Market Education was very much the key word at the Exporter’s Forum. While Fongyee couldn’t stress the need for it strongly enough – Chuck Hayward from the US was also pushing the topic.

Chuck who is the New Zealand and Australian wine buyer for JJ Buckley in California has long been a convert to our wines. For the past 20 years he has been promoting them. What began as a clear point of difference between his original employer The Jug Store , and other outlets who were selling European and US wines, has moved into a long term passion.

“We found some Aussie importers who were selling us $20 and $30 wines that were like Wow. We decided to start importing to be different. Some of these boutique importers that were bringing in these smaller production, high end Aussie wines also had some Kiwi wines in there. So we said, ‘Oh what the hell, let’s sell Kiwi wines too.’”

Chuck began his 20-year learning

experience, trying to find out as much as he could about New Zealand as a wine producing country, its regions and wine companies. That learning has never stopped. These days while he is probably one of the most knowledgeable American buyers, he said there is a great need for the industry to begin educating others.

Just turning up to a retailer with your wines and marketing spiel isn’t enough.

“To sell fine wine it requires you to touch the retailer. You must be the librarian for the New Zealand industry, not just your own wines. Use maps, wine-making techniques, history of the land before it was used to grow grapes. People want to learn about those things. Basically, what I learn as a retailer, I can pass on to the consumer – so if I don’t know anything – I am unlikely to be able to sell your wine.”

Chuck said the information available in the US about our wines is very little. So he recommended anyone travelling to the US, should carry copies of Michael Coopers Wine Atlas, photo copies of regional reviews, such as those from Gourmet Traveller or Cuisine, regional maps and marketing material from New Zealand Winegrowers.

“You also need to get out and visit your region and the whole of New Zealand.

You need to learn about the uniqueness of every region because you need to educate the sales staff firstly on New Zealand, then your region and finally your brand – in that order.”

The American Wine Consumer The consumption of table wine in America is ever increasing, and has been doing so for the past 18 years.

Nielsen figures show 276 million cases of wine were consumed in America in 2010. That increase in wine has been at the detriment of beer and spirits. And while there is still a massive number of Americans who do not touch alcohol, there are estimated to be 77 million who drink wine – 57% of those are what are termed as core wine drinkers – they drink wine daily or at least once a week. This

percentage makes up 91% of the wine volume consumed.

Baby boomers (aged 45 – 65) are the largest single group of wine consumers, making up 39% of wine volume. In other words, four out of every 10 bottles of wine drunk, are drunk by this group.

Generation X (aged 35 – 46) drink 23% of America’s wine volume. Their consumption is growing steadily, as in other markets, as they age, they are tending more towards wine.

The other group that everyone talks about is the Millenials (aged 17 – 34) – which is the second largest population group in America, totalling 70 million, with 16 million of those yet to reach legal drinking age. Six per-cent drink wine daily, 26% several times a week, and 19% are drinking wine at least once a week.

In terms of marketing, it appears the Generation X and the Millenials are the ones New Zealand should be targeting.

– they are the driving growth within the marketplace.

A survey of 5,500 wine drinkers, by Wine Opinions, a lead provider of wine research in the US, showed up some interesting trends. Those surveyed were asked it they had changed how much they spent on wine in the past 12 months.

Understandably there has been a trading down, with more respondents saying they were buying wine costing more than $20, less frequently now. The big trend was to wines worth $10 to $15. Again the staying in rather than going out trend was apparent, with a large percentage of wine consumption, happening in the home. Following on from that result, Wine Opinions asked respondents how they drank wine at home. Was it with a meal, while preparing a meal, with snacks or just as a drink with friends. More than half said they drank at casual get togethers – which could be an important tool in any future marketing campaign.

When Wine Opinions questioned 350 trade members, (distributors, importers, retailers and the hospitality/restaurant segment) the questions were slightly

different. What is important to New Zealand though and Marlborough in particular, is how this segment found the value and quality of both Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir when compared with wine from other producing nations.

In terms of the quality of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc priced under $20, 43% of respondents said it was excellent value, while 38% said it was good.

This compared with say Chile at 16% excellent, and 47% good.

When it came to value of the same wines, Chile replaced New Zealand in the excellent rating, with 43%, (NZ 25%). So maybe some work is required to promote our value for money – given the quality parameters are already there.

In terms of Pinot Noir – the same questions were asked; How do you rate the quality of New Zealand Pinot Noir selling between $20 and $40, compared with Burgundy, Oregon, Sonoma and Central Coast?

While the excellent quality rating was only 16%, (France at the top with 40%) - in the good rating New Zealand had a 47%. In terms of value, only 12% felt New Zealand Pinot Noir was excellent, - with Oregon topping the list with 17%.

(Interestingly France’s value in the excellent scales was only 4%.) 37% deemed the value of our Pinots as good, another 37% said they were fair.

So maybe some work is required in this area to ensure we are seen as producing high quality, good value wines.

Again that may come down to what Chuck was referring to earlier in the story.

Education is vital – all producers need to be reading from the same card and promoting the wines from throughout the country, not just their own region or brand. The more the distributor, importer and retailer knows about the styles of New Zealand wines, whether they are Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris, and the regional differences, the better they can promote them. And hopefully increase their value and quality ratings even further.

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Winepress – 20 Years Old Just like the Marlborough wine industry, Winepress had very humble beginnings. No one back in August 1991 could have imagined the magazine they held in their hands would go on to become the longest running wine industry magazine in New Zealand.

But 20 years on, Winepress is still going

In my ten years of involvement with the

Showing some things never change,

strong – thanks to the diligence of its

grape industry I have grown grapes for

David also wrote about tax back in

first editor David Barnsley, who took on

Montana, Collards and Hunters. From

August 1991.

the editorialship supposedly for a year.

two of these companies I have a simple

“In a hard hitting chairman’s report at the

Thirteen years later he retired from the

letter assuring me they will purchase my

AGM, Hamish Young pointed out that

job. In those 13 years he covered a wide

grapes while they in turn have a letter

while growers struggle to achieve $300

range of topics, drawing in contributions

from me undertaking to supply them.

a tonne for their grapes the same tonne

from Mike Trought and weather details

With the other company I have a bulky

is worth $1200 to the government in

from Rob Agnew, cartoons from Lois

quasi-legal document which has involved

tax. Montana growers will be well aware

Wisheart, and tantalising pieces of gossip

days of protracted negotiation but which

that the recent Budget forced Montana

from around the region. Growers sent

is apparently no longer binding on the

to make a “downward revision” of their

in news items that might be of interest

company. No prizes for guessing which

offer to growers. The 10cents per litre

to a wider audience, David faithfully

company I have, or is it had, the “legal”

meant $75 a tonne to the company in

paraphrased them. Letters from both

contract with.

tax, so once again the grower carried the

growers and winery bosses kept debate

Conditions have changed and I believe

can. That $75 could have made a great

over pricing alive and well, while National

they have changed to the grower’s

difference to our budget.”

MP Doug Kidd got quite a grilling in an

advantage. As John Belsham remarked

interview regarding excise tax. Over the

at the AGM, contracts are essentially

last few months I have been reading

based on goodwill, if either side loses the

through the original copies of Winepress,

goodwill of the other, that can spell the

(now stored at Brayshaw Park) and have

end of the arrangement. As John pointed

pulled just a few excerpt from those early

out the smaller wineries now control

magazines.

30% of the market and thanks to Vintech

Issue Number 1 – August 1991 Contracts – Who Needs Them?

“Not so long ago very few grape growers would contemplate planting a vineyard without a contract. Nowadays increasing numbers of growers are rapidly realising contracts can be more trouble than they are worth.

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they now have access to Marlborough grapes. This fact has widened the market to an extent inconceivable a few years ago when one or two large companies virtually dictated the price of grapes. There is a healthy demand for Marlborough grapes in the market place, although not an equal demand for all varieties.”

The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

1992 Grape Pricing for the 1993 vintage.

Recommended minimum prices for Marlborough Grapes.

Note: NZ Gov’t tax on wine = $1250/ tonne (GST excld).Grape content per bottle varies from 40 cents to $1.20 GRAPE VARIETY Muller Thurgau

$/TONNE 400

Chenin Blanc

400

Gewurztraminer

750

Chardonnay

1200

Riesling

750

Sauvignon Blanc

1000

Pinot Noir

900

1993:

grapes from Marlborough or Nelson,

wineries tend to go for the grape price

Towards 2000 – an excerpt from an

and intending vineyard investors would

first – maybe we are a soft target.

article written by R Goodin, Chairman

also be well advised to develop or

Certainly the Commerce Commission has

of the NZ Grape Grower’s Council at

invest, with sound advice, in areas with

weakened our position but I think there

the time.

proven background.

is probably more the Grape Grower’s Association could do by way of support.

The Future of Marlborough.

1997

Marlborough has only two major

A letter from “A toiling grape grower.”

problems:

“The price of grapes is the bottom line

A. The decline in productivity both in

in our business. All serious growers

In the meantime a concerted effort from each of us to resist any cutbacks would benefit us all.”

terms of tonnage per ha, and quality

are in the business to produce grapes

2001 – 10 year anniversary

through the decimation of phylloxera

to the best of their ability and by doing

An extract from Tim Atkin – The

has to be rectified by re-investment in

so, to make a profit We would be out of

Observer

grafted vines and management.

business if this was not the case and it

“It is Sauvignon Blanc that has made

is something that needs to be defended

New Zealand’s name. The problem with

should be taken into the profitability

more vigorously.

Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc is that however

formula and should be tempered with

If you have uncontracted grapes which

good it is, it is never going to be one

the understanding that grape prices

you are still trying to sell for this vintage

of the world’s most complex wines.

may not increase comparatively

then you probably deserve a rocky ride.

Wherever it is grown, be it Bordeaux or

unless wine sales in volume and price

If you are supplying a winery on a long-

New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc just isn’t

can sustain that position.

term contract and have worked hard to

up to the job.

meet their requirement, then you should

For some time now, Kiwi winemakers

expect to be treated fairly. Any winery

have been asking themselves: What

offering lower prices on the grounds

Next? They’ve flirted with red Bordeaux

that they can buy more fruit cheaply

blends, Chardonnays and sparkling

elsewhere is taking advantage of a

wines, But the hot variety in New Zealand

situation outside the grower’s control and

is Pinot Noir. We Pinotphiles don’t have

which should have no bearing on your

many places to choose from if we want

long-term relationship in the first place.

to secure a decent drop of our favourite

All growers should be questioning any

wine. This is especially true of the New

price reductions and asking wineries to

World. Oregon, California and Australia

justify them rather than simply allowing

have all made a decent fist of growing

them to dictate terms. Without doubt

this most fickle of grapes, but none has

grape prices have risen in the last few

consistently produced wine to rival the

years but so too have quality criteria and

best red Burgundies. New Zealand could

wineries’ expectations. We are growing

and will do. I am more convinced than

a totally different crop to 5 years ago,

ever that Pinot Noir is New Zealand’s best

and I would expect that the per acre

grape.”

B. Escalating land and vineyard prices

Profitability and Values in Marlborough Vineyards – by Neal Ibbotson • Value of grape land and vineyards is continuing to firm, with 8 hectare varietal vineyards selling up to $50,000/ planted hectare. Bare land values are increasing with recent sales of 8 hectare blocks selling at land value of up to $24,000/hectare.

• In the space of two years the grape growing industry has seen an amazing turnaround (once again) from over supply to under supply.

• 1994 negotiated prices of uncontracted Muller Thurgau are as high as $600/tonne and Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc $2000/tonne. (In 1992 the price for Muller Thurgau was $340/ tonne.)

• Yields from Canterbury and Central Otago vineyards would suggest the wine industry in those areas, rather than growing their own grapes, would be better off financially by buying

production costs of most growers would have risen proportionally to per acre

So a wee sample of some of the issues

returns.

that were being raised back in the 1990s.

The price of grapes is only a part of the

Interesting isn’t it, how many of them are

cost of producing a bottle of wine and

still issues today in 2011.

changes to that price have relatively little impact on the overall cost, however

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15

Founding Editor Looks Back David Barnsley was an English teacher and a grape grower – hence he was considered the perfect editor for the new look newsletter suggested by Marlborough Grape Growers.

Prior to 1991, a sporadic newsletter,

Research Centre where they were

and Winemakers: I remember saying at

known as Vinefera had been sent out to

typed and printed, then he individually

the time – If the lamb lies down with the

the small number of grape growers in

packed them into envelopes, placed

lion, it had better keep its eyes open. I

the Marlborough region. But then Chair

address stickers on them and sent them

of Marlborough Grape Growers, Hamish

off to be devoured by the members of

Young, thought there was a need for a

Marlborough Grape Growers.

National MP of the time, Sir Doug Kidd:

more regular form of passing information

Winepress now celebrates its 20th

“I tackled him about the Excise tax but

on. So in August 1991 – Winepress was

birthday and that probably makes it the

he wasn’t going to be shifted. He was a

born.

oldest and longest running wine industry

true politician. Basically he said if you

In that very first issue, David explained

magazine in the country. From a position

want money for hospitals, education

the reasoning behind it.

of editor, on a one-year trial, David

and other things that the state runs,

“In his chairman’s report to the AGM

admits he never imagined, 20 years on

Hamish Young expressed his concern

it would still be part and parcel of the

There was an on-going love-hate

about the Association’s public relations

Marlborough Wine Industry.

relationship between David and wine

effort with the growers. The committee

“It has certainly evolved to what it is now

critic Keith Stewart, who wrote a weekly

recognises that our newsletter as an

– which is hardly recognisable to those

column for the Listener. Admitting that

example has tended to deal with issues

early editions.”

it was the page he always turned to

of the moment rather than information.

During his tenure, Winepress covered a

when the magazine arrived, David

At the last meeting it was recommended

vast array of major issues. The ones that

said Stewart managed to write some

that we consider appointing a person to

stand out to him are;

extremely thought provoking articles, but

take over the responsibility. The position

• The onslaught of phylloxera: “There

not always ones he agreed with. There

was always wary of the companies.”

• His first interview – which was with

then you have to make a contribution.”

of “editor” was offered to me and I

was a suspicion it was here, but there

was often a back and forth discussion

accepted on a one year’s trial basis.”

was nothing certain so it was a shock

between the two, much of recorded in

Thirteen years later, due to health

to see it. It was devastating for the

early copies of Winepress. Yet despite

reasons, David stepped down from

industry at that time. Personally we had

all the correspondence, the two never

the editor’s role. During those years

just planted 10 aces of Chardonnay –

actually met.

he cajoled, informed, lambasted, and

they were one year old – and we had to

One of the regular features in the early

pull then all out and start again.”

editions was a cartoon, supplied by

courted controversy on issues relevant to the growing Marlborough wine region.

• Montana Grape pricing: “It was a

Loris Wisheart. Her ability with the pencil

Computers were yet to make their mark in

divisive period and not everyone

and her knowledge of the industry were

everyday life, so David hand wrote every

favoured our (MGGC) approach.”

renowned. Her daughter Prue was also

article, delivered them to the Marlborough

• The amalgamation of Grape Growers

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08/2011 WINEPRESS

The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

a stalwart of the magazine, stepping

in to help David when he was out of

On top of that, local stalwarts Rob

involved in the wine industry – but he still

the country, or unable to work due to

Agnew and Mike Trought were regular

watches on with interest.

ill health. It meant the magazine never

contributors. Rob has been supplying

“I never imagined back in 1991 that it

failed to arrive on a monthly basis for 10

weather information for 20 years now,

would get this big and I think it is now too

months of every year.

and Mike was one of the first scientists to

big. There are a lot of places where they

(There were no issues in May and

explain to growers what was happening

are growing grapes that they shouldn’t

January, due to vintage and Christmas.)

in their vineyard and why.

be. Even four or five years ago I thought

Winepress quickly caught on with

Personally David said the favourite part

there was too much planting going on. I

Marlborough growers, with many of them

of the magazine for him, was the ability to

wondered at the time where it would all

providing David with interesting snippets

be controversial.

go.”

of information. Stories from overseas

“I suppose that is my nature and I think

He does however believe the future is

newspapers and magazines would

people like to read controversial articles.”

bright, in the long term, if new markets

regularly arrive on his fax machine, letters

While he would get the occasional irate

can be developed.

from people within New Zealand and

call from a reader dissatisfied with his

And 20 years after he founded

overseas would add to the content and

ideas, he said it was never in a bad way.

Winepress, he still looks forward to

David himself had a penchant for filling

“I did get reaction, yes. But never as

reading it every month.

in the gaps with newsy goings on from

much as I would have hoped for.”

Thanks David – for making it possible!

around Marlborough itself.

Now 20 years on, David is no longer

The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

08/2011 WINEPRESS

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17

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08/2011 WINEPRESS

The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

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The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

08/2011 WINEPRESS

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19

The Evolution of Winepress Over 20 years many changes have occurred within Winepress – mostly on the visible cover. The following pictures show how things have changed since 1991.

Winepress 2004

Winepress 2000

Winepress 1991 Winepress 2007

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The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

A Wine Show In Marlborough For Marlborough Belinda Jackson is the first to agree – yes this is another wine show – but she says the upcoming Marlborough Wine Show has a major point of difference. It is a show for Marlborough, judged

by Marlburians.

Belinda who has had vast experience at organising wine shows, including the recent Spiegelau International Wine Competition, says the time is perfect for a Marlborough only event. As the region cements itself in the world’s wine circles with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, there is a need to show how diverse this region is.

“We want to demonstrate to the world’s wine media and markets, that Marlborough offers significant and valuable diversity through its styles and sub-regions.”

Sub-regionality has been a much talked about topic in recent months, with many in Marlborough believing more can be done to promote the differences. Instead of people just thinking Marlborough – there is a strong move to bring the individual qualities of the sub-regions Awatere, Southern Valleys and Wairau Plains to the fore. A wine show dedicated to just the Marlborough region, will allow that to happen. All wines entered must be made from 100% Marlborough grapes and from any vintage.

Chief Judge is Jeff Clarke with the rest of the judges from Marlborough being, Simon Waghorn, Anna Flowerday, Cath Oates, Olly Masters and Guest International Judge Ben Edwards from Melbourne. Judging will take place here in Blenheim on September 1 and 2.

Belinda says they are accepting entries, up until August 12, for one or more of the 20 categories.

The Marlborough Wine Competition is sponsored by O-I-New Zealand.

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21

Powdery Mildew – Early Intervention Vital

BY TESSA NICHOLSON

In what had to be one of the most entertaining seminars given in Marlborough, Australian Peter Magarey explained how dealing with powdery mildew early on in the season will help this year’s crop and next years.

As infectious as a disease itself, Magarey

lots of cloud. It’s one great hate is ultra

buds. (Not ON infected buds.) These

has years of scientific experience of

violet light.

shoots, known as flagshoots will show

dealing with powdery mildew. Describing

It can be difficult to determine powdery

signs of stunting with leaves curled over.

it as an insidious disease, he said it

mildew at first glance, Magarey said,

“If you find a flagshoot, you can break

is unique when compared with other

given it is quite similar to many others

it off and throw it on the ground, as the

vineyard diseases.

found within vines. He suggested

spores can’t survive on dead tissue.

“It doesn’t require moisture, it grows on

carrying an eyeglass when checking

But tag the site so you can come back

the outside of the leaf surface and it is a

among the vines, and highlighted

and check if any more flagshoots have

green disease, requiring green tissue to

a phone ap, which can help the

appeared.”

thrive on.”

identification process for those out in the

Left unmanaged, the spores from the

Consequently any sign of the disease on

field.

flagshoot will spread incrementally into

foliage or fruit that is removed from the

(the site is growcare.com.au.)

nearby green tissue, such as other

vine, cannot survive – unlike a disease

If there was one point he was adamant

shoots, leaves and berries, with the

like botrytis, which can winter over in

in getting across, it was detecting the

infection period being only about five to

dead cell material.

disease early on, at bud burst. Leave it

six days.

What’s more important, is the disease

any longer and it is harder to control.

“Young buds are most susceptible

is driven by the amount of inoculum

“You need to monitor the vineyard, get

to infection two to three weeks after

inherited from last season. Therefore

out there and look. Know your target,

budburst.”

if you can manage the inoculum this

what you are looking for and look at as

While the fungal spores are spread by

season, you are part way there to

many leaves as you can. Do this early in

wind, they do not travel great distances

preventing an outbreak next year.

the season so you can detect it early, and

with Magarey stating “your vineyard is not

“Early season control is critical. To win the

keep records so you have a history of

affected by your neighbour’s.”

battle, we need to control next season,

where the previous infection areas have

Opening the canopy to more ultra violet

this season.”

been.”

light, pruning, leaf plucking and shoot

While it doesn’t require moisture to

The first signs of powdery mildew will

thinning – are all useful for many other

develop, powdery mildew loves mild

show up in emerging shoots, as the

vineyard diseases, but he said they

temperatures of around 20 to 28°C, with

inoculum is carried over within infected

do not make a massive difference with

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08/2011 WINEPRESS

The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

powdery mildew. The most important thing to do is, reduce inoculum reservoirs.

“If you have powdery mildew this year, most or all of the inoculum will have come from within a 200 – 300 metre zone of where the disease was not controlled last year.”

Which brought Magarey to the all important issue of how do you control it? In Australia he said, it was common practice to focus spraying on either side of flowering.

“That’s alright, as it protects the fruit this season, but it doesn’t do much for next year. The result is you need to do it all over again next year and the year after.”

Given the infection starts with the buds turning into a flagshoot, which then spreads to the leaves, and in turn to the green berries – the best way to prevent severity later in the season, is to kill the inoculum at or near budburst.

“This will prevent or reduce the leaf inoculum and the fruit infection in this year coming.”

It also means sprays are more effective, because at the time of control, the inoculum loads are at their lowest level.

Magarey then went on to describe how to take control during the lag phase.

“Mathematically the lag phase is when you get something that is building up slowly and slowly and then gradually it builds up until you get enough of something to really take off. Powdery mildew is a hard disease to catch if it is running away from you, so we want to stop it in the lag phase.”

There is no such thing as an “outbreak” of powdery mildew he said. Instead it is just a case of the inoculum being there and growing incrementally, until the disease is full blown.

Photo - Dion Mundy

The look of powdery mildew once it has hit the leaves.

Roughly 40 days from bud burst, (give or

to other shoots, onto leaves and into fruit

take depending on your own individual

– reaching severe proportions.

conditions) the disease incidence

At the end of the season, the disease if

increases. In Australian conditions

not controlled will remain on any green

Magarey said, 80 days after bud burst

tissue, which is the buds on the old

severity increases and then fruit infection

canes not removed. This inoculum will

begins.

winter over, waiting for more green tissue

“The notion is, if we spray the disease

to develop next season.

early in the lag phase, just after the

However if you take control immediately

spores have started growing in the

after budburst, you can prevent any of

vineyard, you can stop leaf and fruit

that continual cycle occurring.

infection this year and do very significant

Magarey said controlling that cycle is as

things in controlling the disease long

easy as spraying thoroughly a couple of

term.”

times early season, three times with two

In summary – the disease begins inside

week intervals – basically at week two,

an infected bud, carried over from

four and six after budburst.

last season. If left it will develop into a leafshoot with spores that can be spread by wind. Those spores will continue to multiply slowly but surely in the right weather conditions of warm temperatures and cloudy skies. The spores will transfer

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Silver Secateurs

BY TESSA NICHOLSON

Record entry numbers, freezing cold conditions and a field day that saw Silver Secateurs and Young Viticulturist of the Year combining – made July 22 a day to remember.

Winners from Silver Secateurs Novice Tying 1st: Jerome Wilson 2nd Vince Tan 3rd Jeerawat Bupphee Novice Pruning 1st Martin Malessas 2nd Ryan Katip 3rd Evrat Malrurgany Open Tying 1st Rachel Pihema 2nd Rakakao Smiler

Jerome Wilson

Open Pruning 1st Rakakao Smiler 2nd Sam Clay 3rd Paea Lonitenisi

Rachel Pihema

Teams 1st Ara 1 2nd SPLA Contracting Ltd 1 3rd Alapa Contracting 2 Representing Marlborough at the National Silver Secateurs Rachel Pihema Rakakao Smiler Sam Clay Teams Event: Martin Malessas, Ryan Kaitip, Evrat Malrurgany, Ni Vans here in Marlborough as part of RSE, working for Ara Martin Malessas

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Rakakao Smiler

The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

Alapa Contracting

Douglas Willyan In the Marlborough Contractor’s Association Fun Event: 1st Alapa Viticulture 2nd HKCM Ltd 3rd Marlborough Vine Works

A cold crowd

The winner of the Growers Prize Package: John Wall from Riverstone Terraces.

A big thanks to all the sponsors on the day; Gordon Handy Machinery Ltd, Ormond Nursery, The National Bank, WaterForce, Bayleys, Marlborough Viticulture Contractors Association, Bahco, Fruitfed, Gascoigne Wicks, Yealand’s Estate.

The winning team Ara 1, receiving their trophy from Dominic Pecchenino

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Markham’s Marlborough Young Viticulturist

BY TESSA NICHOLSON

Six competitors took part in 10 stages at the annual Young Viticulturist of the Year, with 27-year-old James Bowskill taking out the title to represent Marlborough at the Nationals later this month.

The contestants were well and truly tested during the competition by a wide range of theoretical and practical activities. They had to satisfy the judges with their knowledge of pests and diseases, plant identification, budgets, trellising, irrigation, vineyard layout and design and safety and health issues.

Then each contestant took part in an industry panel review.

In the early afternoon they had to face the freezing conditions for the fun part of the competition - Horti Sports.

Spurred on by a large crowd of Silver Secateurs’ competitors and contractors, the contestants had to fillet a fish, prune a vine, identify three wines and beers, build a pair of secateurs, and fill a brandy snap with cream, using just a spoon. (Although James managed to blow cream into the brandy snap, via his mouth. Understandably no one wanted to taste it afterwards.)

The day concluded with a general

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08/2011 WINEPRESS

knowledge buzzer round and a speech presented to a large crowd of supporters and sponsors.

For James Bowskill, winning the title was more than he expected going into the competition. But he said on the night, it showed how good the people he had worked with during his career, had been.

Graduating from Lincoln in 2004, James first worked for Dominic Pecchenino at Matador Estate, winning the company scholarship that saw him travelling to South Australia and California for consecutive vintages.

Since his graduation he has worked for a wide range of companies, some small, some large.

“I worked for Stonyridge, which is obviously tiny. Odyssey was tiny too and the companies in the US were small.

Then I worked for Villa Maria in Auckland, and later did a vintage with Drylands which was huge. Now I am at Jackson

The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

Estate, which for me is the perfect medium.”

James says his love of the job has grown the longer he has been in it and seven years after graduating he couldn’t think of doing anything else.

“I just love that the job changes throughout the year. I love being able to follow something through from being nothing but sunlight and dirt to something incredible in the bottle that you can enjoy.”

James will spend the next few weeks studying hard for the Nationals where he will compete against other regional winners for the title of Markham’s New Zealand Viticulturist of the Year, at the Romeo Bragato Conference.

Final Placings: 1st James Bowskill – Jackson Estate 2nd Jacqueline Maclaurin – Wither Hills 3rd Matt Duggan - Delegat’s

Jacqueline Maclaurin - 2nd

Matt Duggan - 3rd placegetter

placegettter

Markham’s Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year 2011 – James Bowskill.

YOUNG VITS: From left; Jacqueline Maclaurin, Matt Duggan, Nick Wright, Robert Trought, Libby Rainey and James Bowskill.

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Sauvignon Blanc on the High Seas

BY TESSA NICHOLSON

Beaujolais do it, so why not Marlborough? That’s the attitude behind the annual Wineworks Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Yacht Race, which takes place early next month.

It doesn’t take centuries for a tradition to

the unveiling after the race.

Sauvignon Blanc – aboard Beviamo

be enshrined, just a few good years and

All the yachts leave from Waikawa

A fun race the week before will give

a quality event. In the case of Beaujolais,

Marina, sail out through Tory Chanel, and

winery staff and yachties a chance to

the traditional race to get the first bottles

straight across to Wellington, arriving at

meet up, prior to a preview tasting of the

of Beaujolais Nouveau into Britain only

the overseas terminal. Once handicaps

new release Sauvignon Blancs.

kicked off in 1972. These days it is a

are taken into account, the winner of

If as a winery you are interested, or as

major charity event.

the race is invited to open his/her box –

a skipper you are keen to take part, full

It is a similar story with the Wineworks

determining the winning wine on the day.

details are available at www.winerace.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Yacht

Wineries are invited to take part in the

co.nz

race. It began 10 years ago, with the

race, with the cost being $50 plus a case

All wineries that enter will go into a draw

aim of promoting the release of the

of the 2011 Sauvignon Blanc. Last year

for two berths on the luxury yacht Pacific

latest Marlborough vintage into the

22 local wineries took part.

Eagle to travel to Wellington, with the

Wellington market place. Given the Cook

Owners of yachts, with a Category 3

draw taking place on September 4.

Strait divides the two regions, there was

status are also invited to enter, again at a

nothing for it, but to establish a yacht

cost of $50.

race, that would carry the new releases

While promoting the new release wines

across one of the most treacherous

was the aim behind the event, it has also

stretches of water in the world.

been acknowledged by Yachting New

Wine producers are encouraged to hold

Zealand, and included in their Open

back their first release until the race date.

Water race calendar.

They provide the Waikawa Boating Club,

So – who will it be this year? Previous

with a bottle of the latest vintage. That

winners are:

is then securely packaged in a locked,

2010 – Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon

wooden box. Local yachties who have

Blanc – aboard Bavaria

entered the race, are then allocated by

2009 – Summerhouse Marlborough

ballot one of the many boxes. They don’t

Sauvignon Blanc, aboard Bavaria

know whose wine they are carrying, until

2008 – Spy Valley Marlborough

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The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

Blenheim Now Has Export Wine Testing Facility

BY TESSA NICHOLSON

When rule changes in 2009 meant the ESR in Auckland no longer held exclusive export wine testing rights, Cawthron Institute were quick to realise how gaining their export wine testing accreditation would benefit top of the south winemakers.

Given Marlborough produces more

were confident the new lab would be

The Cawthron Institute celebrated its

than two thirds of the country’s wine,

welcomed.”

90th anniversary this year. Established

Cawthron’s recent expansion into

The staff can now provide testing of

in 1921, after an endowment from

Blenheim with a specialised export wine

sugars, alcohol, volatile acidity, sulphur

shipping magnate Thomas Cawthron,

testing laboratory, made perfect sense.

dioxide, total acidity, citric acid and dry

it is owned by a board on behalf of the

All wines being exported to the EU must

extract, for export related testing.

community. As an independent research

undergo taste and analytical testing for

“We have even more flexibility, because

organisation, it has no entitlement to any

composition, prior to receiving export

we are not having to share those

government support, although in recent

certification. That certification lasts for 12

instruments with any other testing

years they have successfully bid for

months only.

capabilities. It means we can be very

government funding for specific research

Cawthron’s customer services manager,

responsive, which is important when

projects.

Augusta van Wijk said they have had

wineries are looking for quick turnaround.

strong relationships with the Marlborough

In addition, we now have the capability to

As Thomas Easterfield Cawthron’s first

wine industry, supplying analytical

process more than 600 wine samples per

Director said in 1917……

services from the lab in Grovetown

month – if required.”

“I FORETELL A BRILLIANT

Park since 2006. However with new

The new service here in Marlborough,

FUTURE FOR THE INSTITUTE.

technology, the addition of technical

compliments the facilities in Nelson,

THE PROBLEMS SOLVED IN IT

staff and a dedicated customer services

which currently employs a staff of 70 in

WILL LEAD TO RESULTS OF THE

support person in Blenheim, they can

the laboratory. The Marlborough Export

GREATEST VALUE TO THIS CITY,

take those services one-step further.

Wine Laboratory will provide additional

TO THE DOMINION AND TO THE

“Over two-thirds of our wine testing

capability, with the two labs working

HUMAN RACE. THE INSTITUTE

samples are coming from the

closely together.

ITSELF IS DESTINED TO BECOME

Marlborough region, so it was logical for

Cawthron is the only laboratory providing

A CENTRE OF LIGHT, LEARNING

Cawthron to invest in testing facilities

Export Certification in the South Island

AND CULTURE HONOURED

that would be closer to the winemakers

and while Marlborough is bound to make

THROUGHOUT THE CIVILISED

of the region,” van Wijk said. “And as

up a large percentage of the usage, van

WORLD, AND A LASTING TRIBUTE

we already had significant support

Wijk said she is expecting a large take up

TO THE MEMORY OF THOMAS

from the Marlborough wine industry, we

from other regions as well.

CAWTHRON.”

The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

08/2011 WINEPRESS

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29

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08/2011 WINEPRESS

The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

A Decade Worth Celebrating

BY TESSA NICHOLSON

It was a celebration in every sense of the word, when French owned Clos Henri celebrated 10 years of wine growing here in Marlborough last month. It was also a chance to raise funds for the Christchurch earthquake Relief Fund.

In what was a double celebration, (with Bastille Day only a few days after the event) the “patriarch” of the Bourgeois family, Jean Marie Bourgeois and his son Arnaud flew in from Sancerre in France.

The faith the French company has in Marlborough as a fine wine producer cannot be under estimated. With 10 generations of winemaking behind them, the Bourgeois family invested in this region back in 2000, planting their first grapes a year later.

Having never invested outside of France in the company’s history, the move to Marlborough followed a 12-year search for a site that would complement their Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume vineyards.

At the time Jean-Marie said the company had looked at South Africa, Chile, Argentina and Australia. It was a chance meeting with Hawkes Bay winemaker John Buck that led him to consider New Zealand. Given he wanted to produce Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir that stood up against their French counterparts, he made a decision to purchase land in Marlborough.

In an interview back in 2001 he told me, “Everywhere in the world we found good wine. But we want to make what we know.

What we have a passion for - Sauvignon

From left: Winemaker Damien Yvon, JeanMarie Bourgeois and French Ambassador Francis Etienne.

Blanc and Pinot Noir. There was no option but Marlborough.”

In true French style he said; “It was like the search for the perfect woman, we fell in love (with Marlborough.)”

Buying a 110 hectare property on SH63, the company has planted out just 40 hectares, built a winery, developed a unique cellar door, (the former church from Ward) and begun making a name for itself as a high quality producer. The 2010 Clos Henri Sauvignon Blanc has

just been awarded the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world at the Mondial du Sauvignon Competition.

Invited guests, which included the French Ambassador Francis Etienne, were treated to a flight of tastings, that included Marlborough Clos Henri Sauvignon Blanc from 2010, 2009 and 2008, as well as three Domaine Henri Bourgeois wines from 2008, 2005 and 1990.

But it wasn’t all about Clos Henri or Henri Bourgeois, with the celebration culminating in a wine auction to raise funds for the Christchurch Earthquake Relief Fund. Jean-Marie said there had been considerable concern expressed by his fellow winemakers in Sancerre, who had been quick to donate their own wines for a charity auction.

Ten lots of wine went under the hammer, with the top price being $900 for a lot containing three bottles each of Domain Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Jadis 2002 and Sancerre D’Antan 2002.

In total the auction raised $5900 for the relief fund.

The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

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Lex Thomson B.Vit & Oen. is available to assist the winegrower.

Services include: • Viticulture consultation.

• Vineyard management.

• Pest and disease monitoring.

• Spray plans.

• All record keeping involved in the SWNZ program.

• Irrigation audits.

• Yield assessments.

• Fruit maturity sampling.

Visit our display at 105 Middle Renwick Rd, BLENHEIM Ph: 03 579 4723

Visit www.vitpractice.co.nz for details about our full range of viticulture services.

Ph: 021 230 2348.

Email: lexthomson@vitpractice.co.nz

™

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The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

Pinot at Cloudy Bay

BY TESSA NICHOLSON

What began as a celebration where the quality of Marlborough Pinot Noir could be compared with the rest of the world – has now morphed into an iconic annual event.

Cloudy Bay winemaker Nick Lane says

a mammoth undertaking, with Nick

Victoria. There were five New Zealand

Pinot at Cloudy Bay emerged onto the

saying he spends months prior to the

wines, two being Cloudy Bay, one from

scene 12 years ago, with the company

event sourcing. This year, in what was

Martinborough, one from Central Otago

aiming to champion the cause of the

described as a hands-on selection

and one from the emerging Waitaki.

region’s wine. Given Marlborough has

process, he visited all the vineyards

Completing the group was a German

been renowned for Sauvignon Blanc, he

whose wines were chosen, tasting them

wine from Baden.

said the aim was to highlight the fact this

with the winemakers and gaining an

All the wines were from the 2008 vintage,

region was not a one wine producer.

insight into the regional variations.

something that caused Nick a few

“Back then the cause of Pinot Noir

The nineteen wines selected came from

headaches.

was just starting to cotton on with wine

specific sub regions – a slight diversion

“It was a very difficult year in France

drinkers. We were known globally for our

from previous years, Nick said.

and here in Marlborough. It made it hard

Sauvignon and we felt we could do the

“All of the Burgundy wines came from the

deciding exactly which wines to choose

same thing with our Pinot.”

often overlooked Commune of Morey-

– not that it was hard finding good wines,

Moving away from a standard tasting of

Saint-Denis. This mirco region does not

it was hard finding which ones were the

only Cloudy Bay’s Pinot, the company

carry the name of heavy weights such

best.”

instigated a tasting of Pinots from

as Vosne-Romanee or Gevrey Chamertin

This was no competition, instead guests

around the world. Cloudy Bay was

but the wines within its boundaries are

got to taste the wines, write notes and

always included in the line-up, along

universally respected.”

listen to a panel of experts discuss the

with some of the best from other New

The North American wines all came

various merits. No one, not even Nick

Zealand regions, America, Australia and

from the Beaver State, two Australian

knew exactly what wines were what on

Burgundy.

wines came from Mornington Peninsula,

the day, removing any pre-conceived

Choosing the wines has always been

one from Tasmania, the other from

ideas throughout the tasting.

While Pinot Noir was the focus – the long lunch presented by chef Justin Quek was the icing on the cake.

The wines of Pinot at Cloudy Bay 2012

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Wine Happenings A monthly list of events within the Marlborough wine industry.

To have your event included in next month’s calendar please email details to tessan@xtra.co.nz

AUGUST 19

Entries for Pinot Noir 2013 close. Details at www.pinotnoir2013.co.nz

25-27

Romeo Bragato Conference. Ellerslie Event Centre, Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland. Including National Silver Secateurs competition and the Markham’s New Zealand Young Viticulturist of the Year

SEPTEMBER 3

Awards dinner – New Zealand International Wine Show – Crown Plaza Hotel – Auckland

8

Wineworks Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Yacht Race – from Waikawa Bay in Marlborough to Wellington.

25

The Nelson First Fifteen Blind Tasting Competition – plus Degustation Dinner

26

The Nelson First Fifteen tutored tasting

30

Indulge Marlborough – New release Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs, combined with gourmet food and fashion show – Marlborough Convention Centre

Hadley & Lyall Ltd VALUERS and PROPERTY CONSULTANTS

OCTOBER 1

Kaikoura Seafest - Kaikoura

6

Marlborough Wine and Cuisine at Brancott Vineyard – details at: www.wine-marlborough.co.nz/

Marlborough’s oldest established valuation practice experienced in vineyards and all property types.

MarlboroughWineandCuisine.htm 28-30

Marlborough Wine Weekend – an iconic and exclusive 3-day event, highlighting the Marlborough Wine industry. More details at www.winemarlborough.co.nz/wineweekend/index.htm

NOVEMBER 6 – 10

The 6th International Specialised Conference on Sustainable Viticulture; Winery Waste and Ecologic Impacts Management – Convention Centre – Blenheim

9 – 11

International Aromatic Wine Competition (Canterbury A&P Show) – Christchurch

12

Air New Zealand Wine Awards dinner – Langham Hotel - Auckland

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The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

For a prompt valuation report at a reasonable rate contact: Hugh Curry Ph. 03 578 0474 hugh.curry@xtra.co.nz 28 George Street, PO Box 65, Blenheim, 7240

News From Home and Away Brancott Heritage Centre The site of the first planting of Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough, will be home to Brancott Estate’s soon to be opened Heritage Centre. Brancott Vineyard is renowned not only for its historic significance, but also for its beauty. Above the thousands of rows of vines, in what has been colloquially known as Rob’s Knob, is where the Heritage Centre is being built. Fabian Partigliani, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard New Zealand said the new centre will combine the best of what Marlborough and New Zealand has to offer.

“A cutting edge New Zealand design integrated into the natural landscape with an elevated majestic view and award-winning signature wines. Utmost care has been taken to honour both the site and our heritage, so that all who visit are left with a unique and memorable experience.”

The new centre will boast wine tasting facilities, cellar door, a 40 seat restaurant, meeting spaces and an unrivalled view of the Brancott Vineyard.

It is due to be completed to coincide with the kick off to Rugby World Cup 2011 in September.

Congrats To Stanley Estates in the Awatere Valley. This relative newcomer to the world of Marlborough Wine has certainly impacted this year, with some stunning wins around the world. At the recent International Wine Challenge in London, Stanley Estate’s Sauvignon Blanc 2010 won four trophies; Best International Sauvignon Blanc, Best New Zealand White Wine, Best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and the Marlborough Trophy. This follows on from winning the trophy for Best Sauvignon Blanc at the Sydney Top 100 earlier this year.

Marisco Vineyards and China Proving it can be done, Marisco Vineyards has signed an important national distribution agreement to have their wines distributed in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The deal with Tianjin Dynasty International Wine Co, was signed recently and will provide Marisco Vineyard’s two brands, The Ned and The King’s Series a foothold in the all important Asian market.

Owner Brent Marris says the first wines to be sold in China will be from the latest 2011 vintage – a vintage he describes as one of the best in Marlborough in a number of years.

Spiegelau International Wine Competition A new look and one that impressed judges by all accounts.

For the first time, the judges got to taste the wines in specific glasses, as developed by Spiegelau. Jane Skilton MW, one of

the judges raved about the move, in a recent wine column.

As for Trophies Marlborough collected six.

Champion Sparkling Wine – Daniel Le Brun Non Vintage.

Champion Sauvignon Blanc – Saint Clair Pioneer Block 3 43 Degrees 2010 Champion Gewurztraminer – Charles Wiffen 2009 Champion Pinot Gris – Red Tussock 2009 Champion Sweet Wine – Forrest Botrytised Riesling 2009 Champion Pinot Noir – Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough 2009 Champion Winery of the Show – first equal – Charles Wiffen, Church Road Saint Clair Family Estate.

Pacific Prime Wines First Exports on Their Way This innovative collaboration of five New Zealand wineries, has sent its first shipment to the US, fittingly on Independence Day,

ORGANIC? Is your vineyard organic or are you thinking of going organic?

We now have an organic spraying unit and undervine weeder.

To discuss your requirements for the upcoming season call: Paul Brown 021 967 351 Craig Martin 021 846 625

P&C Vine Contracting Over 20 years combined experience

The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

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July 4. Director Dave Nicholas says from a standing start in February, Pacific Prime Wines now has distribution networks in seven states. They are in Virginia, Maryland, DC, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington and Indiana with New York, Connecticut and Illinois set to follow. The five companies involved are Lake Chalice Wines Forrest Estate, Carrick Wines, Seifried Estate and just recently Maimai Vineyards from Hakwes Bay has joined the group.

Mudhouse receives Top Sommelier Award Mudhouse 2010 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc has been awarded the Gastropub Wine Of the Year at the prestigious Sommelier Awards in London. During 1500 tastings, the wine had to beat off 12 other shortlisted wines to take out the title. Judges were looking for a wine that had typicity, food friendliness and versatility. They described the Mudhouse 2010 as “instantly recognisable as Kiwi Sauvignon with its gooseberry/elderflower axis, intense aromas of passion fruit, pink grapefruit, the distinctive crunchy palate and underlying mineral twang.”

Romeo Bragato Conference 2011 The annual industry conference is being held in Auckland, from August 25 – 28. The topic this year is Back To Profitability.

Given everyone within the industry is hoping for improved profitability, this is one conference that should be top on the agenda.

Guest speakers include Ross Colbert, Executive Director and Global Strategist – Beverages – Rabobank New York and Peter McAtamney - Principal Wine Business Solutions in Sydney.

Both will discuss what is happening out there in the market place and just what the future holds. There will be a wide range of other subjects discussed as well, from Organic versus Conventional growing – with results from the Organic Focus Vineyard trial in Hawkes Bay through to Bench Marking – How Do I Compare? drawing on results from the annual MAF grower survey and Deloittes winery survey.

There is still time to register, details available at www.bragato. org.nz Pinot Noir 2013 We are almost halfway between the last New Zealand Pinot Noir conference and the next one, which is being held over four days, on the Wellington Waterfront from January 28, 2013.

One of the directors, MJ Loza told the Exporter’s Forum that there had been a lot of feedback after the last event in 2010, and as a result there would be some major changes to the upcoming event. He said there would be more of a regional

focus, concentrating on Central Otago, Marlborough and the smaller regions of Wairarapa, Waipara, Waitaki and Nelson.

The new structure will allow VIPs to taste more wines, while also providing wineries with more contact with those invited guests.

100 of the best New Zealand Pinots will be chosen for the tastings, and entries for this closes on the 19th of this month.

Each of the wines will be independently tasted blind, with confirmation of the top 100 made by the end of the month. If you are interested in registering your wine, visit www.pinotnoir2013. co.nz. Marlborough has good representation on the board, with MJ joined by Rachel Jackson-Hoare and Ben Glover.

CLASSIFIEDS VINE GRAFTING Australian vine grafter working in Marlborough later this year. Enquiries 0061 0428233544.

See www.brucethegrafter.com

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Old Renwick Road, Blenheim.

Tel: 03 5782648 Fax: 03 5782546 Gouland Road, Spring Creek. Tel: 03 5705944 Fax 03 5705955

Disclaimer: The views and articles that are expressed and appear in Winepress are those entirely those of contributors and in no way reflect the policy of the Marlborough Winegrowers. Any advice given, implied or suggested should be considered on its merits, and no responsibility can be taken for problems arising from the use of such information.

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The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

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