GIMBLETT GOLD
This once-humble land has become one of the most sought-after areas for wine in New Zealand, with nearly all of the Gravels farmed and many well-known brands invested. These 12 offerings capture its taste, quality and charm.
The once-humble Gimblett Gravels has become one of the most sought-after areas in New Zealand for wine.
Once considered the poorest, least productive land in Hawke’s Bay, even struggling to feed sheep, the Gimblett Gravels wine-growing district has become one of the most soughtafter locations to grow wine in the region. The potential for wine on the Gravels was first explored when Chris Pask (C J Pask wines) purchased a 40ha block in 1981, planting red varieties. His 1986 wines won critical acclaim, setting a new benchmark in quality and inspiring other vignerons to look at the Gravels for grape growing. Today, nearly all 800ha of the Gravels is farmed for wine with many well-known brands invested. Such is the quality of red wine in particular that in 2008 the Gimblett Gravels Association launched its top 12 representative wines selected by Andrew Caillard (Master of Wine). As we feature here, the 2018s are exceptional investment and cellar-worthy examples. gimblettgravels.com