Martinborough

Martinborough is the small, prestigious Pinot Noir region at the southern tip of New Zealand's North Island, in the Wairarapa. The free-draining river-terrace soils and cool, dry growing season produce Pinot Noir with perfume, savoury detail and firm structure - often compared to Burgundian models.

The wines suit duck, lamb, game, mushroom dishes and aged hard cheeses. Smaller volumes of Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Gris from the region also show real varietal clarity. The top bottles reward several years in the cellar.