Hawke’s Bay, is the New Zealand’s Great Wine Capital and is located on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, boasting a temperate maritime climate with distinct regional variations. The climate is typically characterised by warm, dry summers and mild winters, influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and sheltered by the surrounding mountain ranges. The region shares some climatic similarities with both Bordeaux, although each sub-region has its own unique characteristics.
Among the prominent grape cultivars grown in the Hawkes Bay are therefore the traditional French varietals such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. Climate predictions however suggest several key changes in the coming decades due to climate change. While precise projections may vary, scientific models generally indicate a continuation of trends already observed in the region, including rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and an increased frequency of extreme weather events
Although a daunting outlook, the change in climate can offer new opportunities and bring about positive changes to the region. Due to its southerly latitude, it is predicted that the global change in temperature will not significantly impact the capacity of New Zealand to produce wine, however changes in where specific cultivars are planted, and the creation of new wine regions will need to be considered to maintain current capacity.
In Hawkes Bay, the change in climate will necessitate the introduction of more warm-climate varieties, a venture which is already underway. Most notable is the introduction of more Mediterranean and warm-climate grape varieties, which exhibit resilience to heat and drought. Red cultivars such as Tempranillo, Malbec, and Grenache are gaining traction in Hawke’s Bay, offering winemakers the opportunity to diversify their product offerings and explore new flavour profiles. Additionally, there has been experimentation with lesser-known white grape varieties like Albariño, a grape which offers distinctive aromatics and acidity, and which can be grown to exhibit similar properties to the famous New Zealand Sauvignon blanc. New vineyards growing the traditional, cooler climate Hawkes Bay varieties such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc are being established inland in more elevated areas, thus maintaining the capacity of the region to produce these wines.
The pre-emptive emergence of new grape varieties and the establishment of more traditional varieties in new areas reflects a dynamic response to the challenges posed by climate change. By embracing innovation, sustainability, and a spirit of experimentation, the region’s wine industry is charting a path forward that ensures resilience and prosperity amidst an uncertain climatic future.
Photo credit: New Zealand Winegrowers Inc, Elephant Hill Chardonnay