VARIETALS
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Cabernet Franc were first planted in 1978, followed by Malbec & Petit Verdot in 1982. Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Viognier & MontepulcianoItalian red grape from Abruzzo: typically dry with earthy, soft tannins (mawn-teh-pool-CHA-noh) have been more recently planted - along with Syrah, which is likely to become the island's flagship grape.
SOILS
Waiheke, unlike most wine regions, has no free-draining alluvial valleys, instead vines penetrate layers of clay
to ancient rock strata millions of years old. Soils swell when saturated, shrinking as they dry, with heavy cracking encouraging deep root penetration. (overview)
CLIMATE
Drier than mainland Auckland due to rainshadow, though exposed sites are windy. Warmer too, as maritime influence moderates temperature - summer averages 26°C & frosts are uncommon. Multi-faceted hills provide a variety of micro-climates.
Syrah - the role of provenance
In NZ's cool-climate Syrah emulates the Northern Rhone
style (medium-bodied, red-fruited, white pepper-scented) unlike warm-climate Australian 'Shiraz', where excess heat creates a distinctly different wine (riper, full-bodied, black-fruited).
However, being temperature-sensitive, the hottest Gimblett Gravels'
vintages can express Shiraz-like characteristics, whilst the Rhone style can be found in Australia's coolest sub-regions.
Geoff Kelly: Fine Syrah mimics Pinot Noir, in that when it is over-ripened, or grown in hot climates, the floral & magical components of its bouquet are simply burnt off & lost
While grown in most NZ wine regions, it is the terroir of Waiheke & Hawke's Bay where Syrah has shown greatest potential. A more forgiving grape in cooler regions than the Bordeaux varieties, even though it is late-ripening.
Dry River (Martinborough): Our plantings are thought to be the ancient Serrine clone... this was originally introduced into NZ in the late 1800's & the last few existing vines were rescued from oblivion by Dr Alan Limmer in 1984 out of the old Te Kauwhata research station
Obsidian (Waiheke Island)
14th July 11am - 1:30pm
Free tasting in store with Lindsay & Janet Spilman (co-owners)
A rare treat from Waiheke Island! It's not often we have the owners of one of Waiheke's top producers in Nelson, so we're delighted to welcome Lindsay and Janet Spilman from Obsidian in store this Saturday. The Obsidian Vineyard was established in 1993 on steep north facing slopes at Onetangi, on the northern coast of Waiheke Island. Red grape plantings include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Syrah, and the first Montepulciano and Tempranillo vines on Waiheke.
Obsidian launched its Weeping Sands brand in 2000 for earlier drinking wines, while the flagship wines are under the Obsidian label. The tasting will feature the flagship reds 'The Obsidian' Bordeaux blend ('one of the most stylish Waiheke Island reds' - Michael Cooper) and Obsidian Syrah, along with the latest Viognier, Montepulciano and Tempranillo - all at great 'one-day-only' special prices.
