Our New Zealand Red Wines

New Zealand is a land of contrasts where red wine finds its purest expression. Here, Pinot Noir reigns supreme: elegant, radiant, and marked by notes of fresh cherry, raspberry, and gentle spice.

Between the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Alps, vineyards benefit from a cool climate that allows slow ripening and exceptional complexity.

The Great Red Wine Regions of New Zealand

Pinot Noir thrives across several regions, each with its own personality:

•  Central Otago, in the far south – high-altitude red wines, deep and luminous, with aromas of black cherry, plum, and spice. This is the country’s most iconic terroir, with schist soils and strong temperature variations.
• Martinborough, at the southern tip of the North Island –structured and earthy reds, with a Burgundian elegance.
• Marlborough, famed for its Sauvignon Blanc, also produces lively, juicy Pinot Noirs with a fresh, fruity profile.

Other regions such as Waipara Valley and Hawke’s Bay add to the mosaic with rounder expressions, sometimes featuring Syrah or Merlot.

The Signature Red Grapes

The undisputed king of New Zealand reds is Pinot Noir, a noble grape that has found a new home in these cool climates.

But New Zealand also celebrates diversity: fine, peppery Syrah in Hawke’s Bay; elegant Merlot on the sunlit northern slopes; and a few exciting experiments with Gamay, Cabernet Franc, and Tempranillo.

Vinodelice Selection: The Essence of New Zealand Pinot Noir

At Vinodelice, we’ve gathered the estates that best capture the spirit of New Zealand reds:

• Burn Cottage (Central Otago) – the benchmark for organic Pinot Noir, both intense and silky.
• Nanny Goat Vineyard (Central Otago) – precision and crystalline freshness, crafted from high-altitude plots.
• Escarpment (Martinborough) – structured Pinot Noir, signature of master winemaker Larry McKenna.
• Catalina Sounds (Marlborough) – a vibrant red from the same terroir that made its Sauvignon Blanc famous.

Why Buy a New Zealand Red Wine?

Because it strikes the perfect balance between Burgundy and the Pacific.

New Zealand Pinot Noir shares the finesse, delicacy, and red-fruit aromas of its Burgundian cousin, but adds a livelier energy, crystalline acidity, and pure aromatics born of the maritime climate.

These are sincere, precise, and modern wines: ideal for discovering another side of Pinot Noir.

Food Pairings with New Zealand Red Wines

New Zealand Pinot Noir is a true chameleon at the
table:

• With roast poultry or duck breast, it enhances tender, juicy
  meat.
• With grilled salmon or seared tuna, it reveals its freshness.
• For the adventurous – try it with lightly spiced Asian cuisine – pure magic.

💬 FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About New Zealand Red Wines

What is the main red grape variety in New Zealand?
Pinot Noir, which makes up more than 70 % of the country’s red-wine production.

What’s the difference between New Zealand Pinot Noir and Burgundy Pinot Noir?
New Zealand reds tend to be fruitier, brighter, and more approachable when young.
Burgundy Pinots are often more structured, slower to evolve, and have a more earthy character. The former charm with their aromatic clarity; the latter with their mineral complexity.

Which regions produce red wines in New Zealand?
Primarily Central Otago, Martinborough, and Marlborough, but also Waipara and Hawke’s Bay.

Why is Pinot Noir so renowned in New Zealand?
Because the country’s cool climate and brilliant light provide slow ripening, ideal for this delicate grape. The result: wines of rare elegance, expressive yet never excessive.

What is the best red wine from New Zealand?
It depends on your taste: those who love finesse should choose Burn Cottage or Escarpment; those seeking power should try Super Nanny Goat or Sound of White. Our Vinodelice selection includes only cuvées praised by international critics.

How much does a good New Zealand red wine cost?
A quality New Zealand Pinot Noir starts around €20, while top
cuvées from estates like Burn Cottage or Nanny Goat can reach €60–70.
All offer excellent value for cool-climate imported wines.

Where can I buy New Zealand red wine?
On Vinodelice.com, explore a curated selection of iconic New
Zealand producers such as Burn Cottage, Nanny Goat, Catalina Sounds, and Escarpment. Fast delivery within France and personalized tasting advice included.

New Zealand red wines are an invitation to travel: elegance,
freshness, and pure fruit.

Discover them in our exclusive selection, and explore the other side of the country with our New Zealand white wines and our complete New Zealand wine collection.