Introduction
Constellation New Zealand (formerly Nobilo Wine Group) enjoys ownership and partnership in many diverse sites within the key wine-growing regions of New Zealand, namely Marlborough to the north of the South Island, and Hawke's Bay and Gisborne, on the eastern coast of the North Island.
The Nobilo and Selak families recognised the importance of these areas quite early in the development of the modern New Zealand wine industry and invested in land and secured grape supply contracts for the classic varietals that now drive the market.
Recent vineyard investment has been concentrated in Hawke's Bay and Marlborough with the intention of covering the bases in terms of style and intensity by having diverse sites within each region.
In addition to owned vineyards, we source grapes from contract growers in the best sites in Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Marlborough and other regions.
HAWKE'S BAY VINEYARDS NORTH ISLAND
Hawke's Bay is situated on the central eastern coast of the North Island. Renowned for its hot, dry summers and fairly cool winters, Hawke's Bay has been labeled the fruit bowl of New Zealand, with a wide range of fruit and vegetables grown in the area.
Differing soil types and micro-climates allow a diverse range of varietals, both white and red grapes. The major plantings are Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Annual rainfall is approximately 1,000-1,300mm per annum with degree days from October to April falling near the 1,250 day mark.
Company owned and leased vineyards, of which there are three main sites, are spread around the Hawkes Bay region, with a wide range of varieties and different climatic conditions.
Our Corner 50 and Te Tua vineyards, situated 25km south-west of the city of Hastings border the local landmark of Roy's Hill and the Ngatarawa triangle. It is one of the most recognized grape-growing areas in the bay. The Corner 50 winery was built on this site in 2005.
The soil types across the blocks consist of five different types but are all essentially differing depths of top soil over red metal. Red metal at some points is only 15cm from the surface. The majority of the top soil is Ngatarawa sandy loam.
Plantings are mainly in Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Chardonnay.
Our Kikowhero Partnership vineyard is in the spectacular Crownthorpe region by the Ngaruroro River and Kikowhero Stream. Crownthorpe region soils are free draining alluvial loams over stony sub-soils. Our planting is all Sauvignon Blanc.
Gisborne
Gisborne is located on the central
eastern coast of the North Island. It is the third largest wine growing
region. We have good partnerships with contract growers, from whom
all our Gisborne fruit is sourced. It currently provides us with the
majority of our North Island Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, sourced from
different sites throughout the region. Different clones from the differing
sites give us an exceptional range in flavours, and quality which enable
us to source the very best fruit for our premium brands.
Gisborne is ideally suited to grapes that ripen early and respond well to lots
of sunshine which makes Chardonnay favoured in this region. Vintage normally
begins mid February and is generally over by mid to late March.
MARLBOROUGH VINEYARDS SOUTH ISLAND
Marlborough is situated at the north-eastern tip of the South Island of New Zealand. Renowned for its hot dry summers, it has been a favoured area for fruit growing, especially apples and cherries. Annual rainfall is approximately 700-800mm per annum, and degree days from October to April fall near the 1,123 day mark.
Success in fruit growing led winemakers to consider grape growing in the early 1970’s. This decision proved to be a good one as Marlborough is now the largest grape growing region in New Zealand and the most recognized one around the world.
Company owned vineyards in the Wairau Valley, Awatere Valley and other Marlborough regions sites, offer our winemakers a wide selection of flavour components from the different soil types and micro-climates of each site.
Northern Wairau Valley vineyards produce wines with greater weight and texture.
Southern Wairau and valleys vineyards produce crisper and lightly herbaceous styles.
Coastal vineyards like Rarangi give riper, more tropical flavours.
Awatere Valley vineyards produce smaller berries resulting in wines with greater concentration.
Primary grapes grown in Marlborough are Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. Our winemakers match fruit characteristics from the various sub-regions to the wine style they want for each brand.
Long-term contract growers are an important part of our grape-supply mix both now and in the future. We have long established and long term partnerships with many of the most experienced growers in New Zealand many of whom work closely with our viticulturists to produce the best possible fruit to match the styles needed for our different brands.
GISBORNE
Principally Aromatic and Muscat varietals for White Cloud plus Chardonnay and
Pinot Gris
HAWKE'S BAY
Principally Chardonnay, Bordeaux red varietals and Sauvignon Blanc
MARLBOROUGH
Principally Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling
WAIPARA
Principally Pinot Noir and Riesling
CENTRAL OTAGO
Pinot Noir
