A bright future predicted for NZ Pinot Noir

NEWS RELEASE
1 February 2007

A bright future predicted for NZ Pinot Noir

The New Zealand wine industry received some good news about Pinot Noir this week, with some of the world’s most influential wine experts predicting a very bright future.

Nearly 500 delegates from 15 countries spent four days at Pinot Noir 2007 discussing, learning about and of course, tasting, New Zealand Pinot Noir.

They were able to mix and mingle with some of the world’s leading wine critics, writers, judges, winemakers and sommeliers in what was the biggest event of its kind ever held by the New Zealand wine industry.

Pinot Noir 2007 Board Chairman Steve Smith MW says it was great to receive such a positive response to our wines, but the wine industry won’t be resting on its laurels.

“As France’s leading wine writer Michel Bettane said, we have achieved as much in 20 years as other countries took two centuries to perfect, but we also know that the Pinot industry is still young and that we still have a way to go.

“We need to continue to refine our winegrowing and winemaking, and improving the quality, content and consistency of our wines.”

Steve says it was clear from the conference discussions that New Zealand Pinot is fast developing its own ‘sense of place’ or recognisable style, and that regional distinctions are also emerging.

“This is such an exciting time for Pinot growers and makers. We have a real opportunity to become one of the world’s top producers of Pinot Noir.

“But we also have to be patient. It’s taken other countries years and years to perfect their techniques and styles, and we can’t rush the process.

“We are lucky to have the right climate and the right soils to make world class Pinot Noir, and with a little more time and perfecting, we are more than capable of making great Pinot Noirs.”

Pinot Noir 2007 has been 18 months in the planning and was a huge logistical exercise for the organisers, Avenues Events Management.

The 500 delegates have enjoyed more than 9000 bottles of wine from more than 100 wineries and used more than 12,000 Zerrutti wine tasting glasses. It’s the third time the event has been held, and the public tasting session sold out for the first time ever.

Steve says that’s a good indication of the increasing popularity of Pinot Noir – both locally and overseas.

“The 60% increase in Pinot Noir consumption in the US is attributed to the movie ‘Sideways’, so it’s certainly trendy at the moment. But Pinot also suits the current trend of lighter styles of food and that’s likely to continue for some time.”

The next Pinot Noir celebration – Pinot Noir 2010 – is planned for January 2010.

Ends