Hawke’s Bay: the sub-regions
This list is arranged alphabetically; see map above for geographical locations.
Bridge Pa Triangle Often seen in the shadow of its more illustrious neighbour Gimblett Gravels, the Bridge Pa district produces plusher, more succulent and generally more approachable reds than the Gravels, often with just as much muscle. Villa Maria’s Keltern vineyard is counted as part of this region although it is further inland and cooler. Top producers: Paritua, Redmetal, Sileni, Church Road, Matua, Alpha Domus, Ash Ridge. Coastal ( Te Awanga, Bay View) Heavily influenced by the sea with a cooler but moderated climate, longer growing season and later ripening. Most vineyards closest to the ocean will be planted with predominantly white varieties, although vineyards further inland can produce surprising reds, depending on aspect. Top producers on the coast: Clearview, Craggy Range (Kidnappers Chardonnay), Elephant Hill, Te Awanga Estate, Beach House. At Bay View: Crab Farm and Esk Valley (the latter’s Winemaker’s Reserve Chardonnay is regularly from here).
Esk Valley Alluvial soils with a relatively coastal climate, Esk Valley is home to a handful of growers. Top producers include: Petane Station and Linden Estate.
Gimblett Gravels Well-defined, heavily protected (it is a trademark) and with rigorous standards. Young alluvial soils; very hot in summer. Can be affected by late rains. Wines are generally well-structured (sometimes austere) Bordeaux blends and Syrah. Some whites. Top producers: Sacred Hill, Trinity Hill, Craggy Range, Villa Maria, Te Awa, Vidal, Esk Valley, Church Road, Mission Estate, Stonecroft, Element Wines, Beach House.
Hillside Hawke’s Bay Some of the most interesting, if not profound, wines are produced on the hillside sites around the region. Bilancia’s La Collina Syrah and Esk Valley’s The
Terraces are reference points and are rightly sought after. Other great producers include Hopes Grove (excellent Syrah and Viognier in particular), Supernatural Wine Co (although this could be considered Coastal), De La Terre, Te Mata and Black Barn (the latter three have vineyards in the Te Mata Special Character Zone, itself a potential sub-region).
Mangatahi, Crownthorpe, Matapiro One step further inland from Bridge Pa, although vineyards can be found on both sides of the river for some distance. Similar soils to Bridge Pa but with more elevation and significantly cooler. Fresh, classy whites and some good Pinot Noir. Top producers: Sileni, Easthope Family Winegrowers, Church Road, Rod McDonald Wines, Smith & Sheth (its CRU Chardonnay is worth seeking out).
Tukituki Can overlap with Coastal as this river enters the sea just north of Te Awanga; most growers are situated between the Havelock Hills and the coast. Heavier soils due to the nature of the river, but a cooler aspect than more inland sites and varying terrace heights. Recent years of Church Road’s prestige Tom Chardonnay (the fantastic 2014 in particular) have come from this region. Other producers include Ant McKenzie Wines, Indevin, Akarangi, Askerne, Black Barn and Dolce Vista.
Tutaekuri Valley (Dartmoor, Woodthorpe) Similar soils to the Ngaruroro and, depending on location, will also be either young alluvial or older terraced alluvial soils. However, the higher limestone content of the Tutaekuri river system will have some effect. Soil expert Keith Vincent draws some parallels with Marlborough’s Wairau Valley. Sacred Hill has extensive vineyard holdings in this area. Other top producers include Te Mata Estate and Matua.
NB: Central Hawke’s Bay is a separate Geographical Indicator to Hawke’s Bay. Its scattered producers fell outside the scope of this article.