
Marlborough, Piedmont
When most people think of New Zealand wine, the first thing that comes to mind will be Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. This one variety more than any other helped springboard New Zealand on to the world-wine scene.
The region is located on the northern end of the south island, nestled around the town of Blenheim, and for many years was a sheep region. It was Montana wines, who in 1973 planted the first vines in the region “too far south to grow good wine.” At the time the region was the southernmost region in the country, but nowadays Central Otago takes south to a whole new level.
Plenty of sunshine hours, relatively low rainfall and cool temperatures provide the perfect conditions for growing world-class Sauvignon Blanc the region is renowned for. Other whites grown include Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Sparkling wines. Pinot Noir dominates the red varieties grown, though is typically lighter bodied than Central Otago or Martinborough Pinots.
Piedmont (Piemonte in Italian) is probably the finest wine region in all of Italy, and has laid claim to this since Roman times. It has a continental climate influenced by the surrounding Alps and Ligurian Apennines, and is located in the north-west of Italy, bordering both France and Switzerland.
Piedmont has only 1% of the total vineyards of Bordeaux and 15% that of Burgundy. So while a top Chateaux may produce upwards of 35,000 cases a year, leading Barolo producers will often make only 800 cases. More than half of its vineyards are registered with DOC designations and many are in the Apennine or Alpine foothills, from 300-600m above sea level. Most of the wines are produced by smaller family estates rather than larger holdings.
Piedmont has 46 different DOC and four DOCG regions, and produces the largest number of well known, world-recognized, prize-winning wines. The most famous would have to be Barolo or Barbaresco, whose power comes from the Nebbiolo grape variety. The most widely planted red variety is Barbera although Dolcetto, Muscat, Shiraz and Bonarda are also produced.
The white variety most well known is Moscato, which is often made into frizzante (bubbly) wines known as Asti. Cortese is made into the popular Gavi wines, and smaller amounts of Chardonnay and high quality Sparkling are also produced in the far north of Piedmont.
The region is located on the northern end of the south island, nestled around the town of Blenheim, and for many years was a sheep region. It was Montana wines, who in 1973 planted the first vines in the region “too far south to grow good wine.” At the time the region was the southernmost region in the country, but nowadays Central Otago takes south to a whole new level.
Plenty of sunshine hours, relatively low rainfall and cool temperatures provide the perfect conditions for growing world-class Sauvignon Blanc the region is renowned for. Other whites grown include Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Sparkling wines. Pinot Noir dominates the red varieties grown, though is typically lighter bodied than Central Otago or Martinborough Pinots.
Piedmont (Piemonte in Italian) is probably the finest wine region in all of Italy, and has laid claim to this since Roman times. It has a continental climate influenced by the surrounding Alps and Ligurian Apennines, and is located in the north-west of Italy, bordering both France and Switzerland.
Piedmont has only 1% of the total vineyards of Bordeaux and 15% that of Burgundy. So while a top Chateaux may produce upwards of 35,000 cases a year, leading Barolo producers will often make only 800 cases. More than half of its vineyards are registered with DOC designations and many are in the Apennine or Alpine foothills, from 300-600m above sea level. Most of the wines are produced by smaller family estates rather than larger holdings.
Piedmont has 46 different DOC and four DOCG regions, and produces the largest number of well known, world-recognized, prize-winning wines. The most famous would have to be Barolo or Barbaresco, whose power comes from the Nebbiolo grape variety. The most widely planted red variety is Barbera although Dolcetto, Muscat, Shiraz and Bonarda are also produced.
The white variety most well known is Moscato, which is often made into frizzante (bubbly) wines known as Asti. Cortese is made into the popular Gavi wines, and smaller amounts of Chardonnay and high quality Sparkling are also produced in the far north of Piedmont.
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- Sourced from the picturesque Wairau Valley in Marlborough, the fruit is harvested early, which is then pressed to tank for fermentation. A controlled ferment with hand selected yeast ensures aroma and fruit character are retained. The ferment is stopped early ... Learn MoreGIESEN 'LIGHTER IN ALCOHOL' SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017$13.99 Per item
- Made by Aussie winemaker Corey Ryan & ex Villa Maria winemaker Rod Macdonald. In September 2020, Rod was named on a who’s who list of top global winemakers – The Master Winemaker 100 – as compiled by reputable magazine the drinks business (UK). Rod ... Learn MoreKINDRED SPIRITS MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019$17.00 Per itemOut of stock
- The grapes for this wine came from two sites in the Awatere Valley and were machine-harvested at optimum ripeness to produce a medium-bodied wine with luscious tropical fruit, white peach, and a crisp green apple and lime finish. Taken from ... Learn MoreKopu Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020$19.99 Per item
- A fruit-driven Barbera (75%) and Nebbiolo (25%) blend. The nose is expressive and inviting with aromas of fresh red fruits overlaid by notes of dried herbs, forest undergrowth and aniseed. The palate is medium bodied and well balanced with a by core ... Learn MoreMARETTI LANGHE ROSSO 2018$19.99 Per item
- A fruit-driven Barbera (75%) and Nebbiolo (25%) blend. The nose is expressive and inviting with aromas of fresh red fruits overlaid by notes of dried herbs, forest undergrowth and aniseed. The palate is medium bodied and well balanced with a by core ... Learn MoreMARETTI LANGHE ROSSO 2017$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- The fruit sourced for this blend comes from a range of sites throughout Marlborough, harvested separately and treated individually at the winery before blending by taste to achieve the ideal fruit profile and balance. Classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc matured in ... Learn MoreTEMPEST COVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- A fruit-driven Barbera (75%) and Nebbiolo (25%) blend. The nose is expressive and inviting with aromas of fresh red fruits overlaid by notes of dried herbs, forest undergrowth and aniseed. The palate is medium bodied and well balanced with a by core ... Learn MoreMARETTI LANGHE ROSSO 2016$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- This Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from lower-yielding vineyards on the hillside slopes for greater intensity and whole bunch pressed. The nose is fresh and delicate with restrained aromas of gooseberry and freshly grown grass given complexity by river-stone and white ... Learn MoreBlack Cottage Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020$20.99 Per item
- Made by amazing winemaker Tom Hutchinson, this Organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from lower-yielding vineyards on the hillside slopes for greater intensity and whole bunch pressed. The nose is fresh and delicate with restrained aromas of gooseberry and freshly ... Learn More
- This is a ruby-red wine with purple highlights. The nose is packed with black fruit, especially blackberries and plums, with slight spicy overtones hinting at black pepper and cinnamon. Sweet, soft tannins come together in a closely-woven texture that merges ... Learn MoreFONTANAFREDDA BRICCOTONDO BARBERA 2018$24.99 Per item
- Sourced from the Southern Valleys with some fruit from the Awatere Valley. This Pinot Noir went through 100% stainless steel fermentation and was hand plunged. This brought out the perfumed berry fruit as well as increasing the silky mouthfeel of the ... Learn MoreBlack Cottage Pinot Noir 2020$25.99 Per item
- Sourced from the Southern Valleys with some fruit from the Awatere Valley. This Pinot Noir went through 100% stainless steel fermentation and was hand plunged. This brought out the perfumed berry fruit as well as increasing the silky mouthfeel of the ... Learn MoreBlack Cottage Pinot Noir 2019$25.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Sourced from the Southern Valleys with some fruit from the Awatere Valley. This Pinot Noir went through 100% stainless steel fermentation and was hand plunged. This brought out the perfumed berry fruit as well as increasing the silky mouthfeel of the ... Learn MoreBLACK COTTAGE PINOT NOIR 2018$25.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Classic strong citrus characters with lemon and grapefruit prominent, complimented by elderflowers, with smoky and flinty undertones. A juicy and vibrant palate of pure citrus flavours leaving a lengthy finish with refreshing, balanced acidity. Ideally enjoyed as a young wine, ... Learn MoreDOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019$26.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Shows distinctive Awatere characters of elderflower, guava, white currant, lemongrass and passion fruit coupled with lovely ripe tropicals and hints of basil and lime from Wairau components. The nose follows through to the palate - which is fine and soft ... Learn MoreTE WHARE RA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019$26.99 Per item
- Lifted aromas of nashi pear, raspberry, red apple and white florals. The nose follows through to the palate with the same flavours along with savoury undertones which are balanced by fine, supple texture and lingering minerality. Enjoyable to drink now ... Learn MoreTE WHARE RA PINOT GRIS 2019$26.99 Per item
- Aiming to hit the bianco sweet spot of balanced sweetness, bitterness and acidity, it incorporates 130 g/L sugar, sweet citrus, elderflower, rhubarb, cardamom, coriander, mace, orange, sage and a selection of other bitter herbs. ... Learn MoreCHAZALETTES AND CO. VERMOUTH DE TORINO BIANCO NV$28.00 Per item
- Made by ex-Cloudy Bay winemakers, Dog Point is consistently one of the finest examples of Marlborough SB. Classic strong citrus characters with lemon and grapefruit prominent, complimented by elderflowers, with smoky and flinty undertones. A juicy and vibrant palate of ... Learn MoreDOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017$28.00 Per itemOut of stock
- The wine is bottled unfiltered to retain complexity. ... Learn MoreTREDIBERRI BARBERA D'ALBA 2019$28.50 Per item
- Lovely fragrant florals, classic nebbiolo minerality, depth of dark cherry fruit with layers and ripe tannins on the finish. Impressive quality and value for the price here. Berri is a small hamlet in the westernmost part of La Morra, located ... Learn MoreTREDIBERRI LANGHE NEBBIOLO 2019$29.99 Per item
- From 2ha in the Trifolera Cru of Barbaresco adjacent Rabaja facing north-west. Aged for six months in stainless steel. 91 Points, James Suckling. “Full-bodied with some good chewiness and structure on the palate and a fine line of acidity to back ... Learn MoreGIUSEPPE CORTESE DOLCETTO D'ALBA 2017$29.99 Per item
- Has the aromatic spice and weight of Gewurztraminer, the structure and length of Riesling, and the great texture of Pinot Gris in a perfectly balanced 75%/16%/9% blend. It is a delicious, co-fermented field blend from a single vineyard. Intensely perfumed, this ... Learn MoreTE WHARE RA 'TORU' 2019$29.99 Per item
- Made for United Cellars by New Zealand winemaking superstars Matt and Sophie Thomson. Matt was head winemaker at St Clair, but has made wines across all of New Zealand as well as in Chile, Italy, France, Spain, Romania and Hungary. ... Learn MoreOut of stock
- Here at United Cellars we work closely with producers to bring you the best wine experience. When visiting our friends at Pietro Rinaldi, we were so dissapointed to hear that they had sold out of their 2017 Argante that our customers ... Learn MorePIETRO RINALDI LANGHE NEBBIOLO DOC 'ARGANTE' 2016$29.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Light, fragrant, red cherry and red berries, touch of spice and new leather. Drink: Medium bodied, pure fruited, fresh and bursting with Nebbiolo flavour, light kitten’s tongue tannin, clean long finish. Drink 2015 - 2024+ ... Learn MoreBENEVELLI LANGHE NEBBIOLO 2016$29.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Made for United Cellars by New Zealand winemaking superstars Matt and Sophie Thomson. Matt was head winemaker at St Clair, but has made wines across all of New Zealand as well as in Chile, Italy, France, Spain, Romania and Hungary. ... Learn MoreOut of stock
- The terroir The vineyard soil at La Raia is calcareous and clayish, it extends at approximately 400 metres above sea level with a south-east-west exposure. A crown of vineyards distributed around the cellar, with an average density of 4500 vines per hectare. ... Learn MoreLA RAIA GAVI DOCG 2018$32.99 Per item
- Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the first five wine makers to venture into Marlborough. The famed Marlborough producer's sparkling. It's one of the best consistently from over the ditch and has genuine French-like class. Sourcing Non-Vintage sparkling wine ... Learn MoreCLOUDY BAY PELORUS SPARKLING NV$33.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the first five wine makers to venture into Marlborough. A vibrant mix of kaffir lime, lemon zest and nectarine aromatics intermingle with the bright perfume of orange blossom. Brimming with ripe citrus and ... Learn MoreCLOUDY BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020$34.90 Per item
- "Poderi e Cantine Oddero is a historical name among Barolo producers. Its foundations were laid at the end of the 18th century when our ancestors were already cultivating vineyards in La Morra. In 1878, our ancestor Giacomo Oddero (1851-1915) decided, in ... Learn MoreODDERO DOLCETTO D’ALBA DOC 2019$34.99 Per item
- Intense, highlighted fruity aromas such as wild violet and blackberry pulp. In the mouth the wine offers a harmonious and complex taste balance, of fresh fruit with the right dose of tannins, in the long finish an almond note appears. ... Learn MorePIETRO RINALDI DOLCETTO 2018$34.99 Per itemOut of stock
- "Poderi e Cantine Oddero is a historical name among Barolo producers. Its foundations were laid at the end of the 18th century when our ancestors were already cultivating vineyards in La Morra. In 1878, our ancestor Giacomo Oddero (1851-1915) decided, in ... Learn MoreODDERO DOLCETTO D’ALBA 2018$34.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Chalky and flinty mineral notes are followed by citrus, capsicum and pretty white flower aromas. This wine has good balance, a very nice acid presence and a smooth finish. It is tangy, round, soft, super fruity and easy to drink. ... Learn MoreCLOS HENRI 'PETIT CLOS' SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016$34.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Drinking great now - Will cellar well for 3-5 years. ... Learn MoreDOG POINT 'SECTION 94' SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013$37.99 Per item
- This intensely perfumed, super fine Moscato is drawn from an amphitheatre of sandy, chalky slopes that circle Sandro Boido's winery. These steep, chalky vineyards--the kind that dominate the Santo Stefano Belbo commune--are prized for tempering Moscato's heady fruits with freshness, ... Learn MoreCA' D'GAL MOSCATO D'ASTI LUMINE 2018$39.99 Per item
- Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the first five wine makers to venture into Marlborough. A vibrant mix of kaffir lime, lemon zest and nectarine aromatics intermingle with the bright perfume of orange blossom. Brimming with ripe citrus and ... Learn MoreCLOUDY BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019$39.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Dog Point Pinot Noir is one of the icons of Marlborough and for good reason. Winemakers Ivan and James first began their journey in the NZ wine game by starting globally-acclaimed winery Cloudy Bay. They are maestro’s at producing ... Learn MoreDOG POINT PINOT NOIR 2017$44.99 Per item
- A recipe dating back to the 19th century using 31 major aromas - 15 of which remain a closely guarded secret. This aromantic blend creates a unique and highly sophisticated vermouth sought after around the world. Delicious served chilled on its own ... Learn MoreCONTRATTO VERMOUTH ROSSO NV$44.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Dog Point Pinot Noir is one of the icons of Marlborough and for good reason. Winemakers Ivan and James first began their journey in the NZ wine game by starting globally-acclaimed winery Cloudy Bay. They are maestro’s at producing ... Learn MoreDOG POINT PINOT NOIR 2016$44.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Dottore (Doctor) Matteo Ascheri is not only the 5th generation owner and winemaker of his family estate (established 1880), he also runs a 4 star resort and traditional 'Osteria' (restaurant) next to the winery in Bra. In addition to this, Matteo is ... Learn MoreAscheri Langhe Nebbiolo 2017$44.99 Per itemOut of stock