The region of Central Otago is spectacular. The Southern Alps receive over 400 inches of rain per average year. But not in Central Otago!
Central Otago is located on the South end of the South Island of New Zealand. Otago claims the only true continental climate in New Zealand. A continental climate resembles the interior of a large continent and not the typical type of temperate climate you would normally find close to an ocean. Continental climates usually have a larger swing of high and low temperatures.
Located on the 45° South Parallel, Central Otago is the highest and the most Southern region for wine growing in the world.
Central Otago is the fifth largest, out of eight regions, and is also the newest region for grape growing in New Zealand.
The principal mountain range on the South Island are the Southern Alps Mountains which have seventeen peaks over 10,000 feet as well as the highest peak in the country, Mount Cook elevation 3,755 meters (12,319 feet). Note: This peak is often cited as being 3,754 meters high.
Lake Wanaka Region
Gibbston Valley
Cromwell Basin
Alexandra
In the northern hemisphere, the 45° North parallel runs through the northern Rhône Valley. At first glance there does not seem to be much in common with these two growing areas, but the one notable connection is wine.
Many consumers are aware of the fine wines of the Rhône Valley, while the Central Otago region of New Zealand is just beginning to make a presence on the world wine stage. Only 20 years ago the Rhône valley was also fairly unknown in international wine circles.
Early pioneers of the Central Otago area were soundly criticized for suggesting that world quality wine could be produced in this most southern growing area. Today this criticism has been replaced by accolades for high quality wines that have earned it's place in the world market, winning top awards in many international competitions. With soil composition consisting mainly of schist and silt loam, this low fertility ground has proved immensely successful for grape growing.
Most new plantings are Pinot Noir clones, making Central Otago an area of Pinot specialists. Still, other grape varieties such as Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Riesling are also enjoying a return to popularity, providing the area with depth and selection of fine wines.
With dry, warm summer days, and cool nights, a day-night temperature swing that is often over 25 degrees, Central Otago provides a climate for the production of grapes containing a near perfect balance of sugars and acids, creating wines with wonderful complexity, depth and tannin structure. Try some and see if you don't agree with us!
First picture: Pigeon Island in the distance on Lake Wakatipu.
Second picture: Rippon Vineyard on Lake Wanaka.
Left: A new vineyard.
Below: Kawarau Gorge
