Pyramid Valley: Waikari, the little region with a big reputation
What do Waikari and Burgundy have in common?
According to Steve Smith MW, quite a lot. From ancient limestone and marl soils to the conditions that can produce great chardonnay, these two places on opposite sides of the world share some fascinating geological similarities.
Great wine starts with caring for the land.
Steve Smith MW talks about the culture behind Pyramid Valley and the wider Aotearoa New Zealand fine wine movement, bringing together a love of nature with science, technology and a willingness to try new things.
For Steve, it all comes back to three outcomes: better wine, a thriving environment and happy people.
How do you take on the legacy of the people who shaped a special piece of land?
Winemaker Huw Kinch talks about following in the footsteps of Mike and Claudia Elze Weersing, while finding his own way forward.
For Huw, that means respecting their work, listening to the land and making decisions based on what the site tells him. Ultimately, it’s about making the best wine possible from the place.
Why chardonnay?
For Steve Smith MW, it came down to one simple idea. Chardonnay is the common thread connecting vineyards across Hawke’s Bay, North Canterbury and Central Otago, and a variety capable of showing something special in each.
With New Zealand seen as a white wine country, their next chapter is all about doubling down on chardonnay.
