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Beyond Pinot New Zealands Red Wine Renaissance Celebratedat Vivas 2025 Awards

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/08/20 .. -renaissance-celebratedat-vivas-2025-awards.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, August 20th 2025 at 16:42 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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For years, New Zealand has been synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc. But a quiet revolution is brewing in the country’s vineyards – a resurgence of exceptional red wines that are finally earning their place on the global stage. The results of Viva’s 2025 Wine Awards, recently announced, offer compelling evidence of this exciting shift, showcasing a diverse range of reds from across New Zealand's key wine regions. Forget solely focusing on Pinot Noir; while it remains a cornerstone, these awards highlight the burgeoning potential of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and even lesser-known varieties when expertly crafted.

The Viva Wine Awards, known for their rigorous judging process and commitment to identifying truly outstanding wines, have consistently championed quality across all categories. This year’s red wine selections are particularly noteworthy, reflecting a growing understanding amongst winemakers of how to best express the unique terroir of New Zealand's diverse landscapes. From the cool climate regions of Marlborough and Nelson to the warmer areas of Central Otago, Canterbury, and Hawke's Bay, each region contributes distinct characteristics to its wines.

Pinot Noir Still Reigns, But with a New Perspective: While Pinot Noir continues to dominate the awards, it’s not the same Pinot Noir as before. Judges noted a move away from overly ripe fruit profiles towards more elegant, restrained expressions that showcase finesse and complexity. Several Central Otago producers were recognized for their ability to balance richness with acidity, creating wines that are both approachable now and capable of aging gracefully. The awards also highlighted Pinot Noir from the increasingly respected Martinborough region in the Wairarapa, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices and a focus on site-specific winemaking.

Merlot’s Moment: Perhaps the biggest surprise of the 2025 awards was the strong showing of Merlot. Often overshadowed by its more celebrated counterparts, New Zealand Merlot is finally coming into its own. Wineries in Hawke's Bay, known for their warm climate and fertile soils, produced several standout Merlots that displayed impressive depth of flavor, velvety tannins, and a surprising elegance. These wines are proving that New Zealand can produce Merlot with the same quality and character as those from Bordeaux or California.

Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends: Power and Potential: Cabernet Sauvignon also performed well, particularly in blends. The judges appreciated the structure and power of these wines, often combined with Merlot or Malbec to create complex and harmonious flavor profiles. These blends demonstrate a willingness amongst winemakers to experiment and push boundaries, resulting in wines that are both bold and refined.

Malbec & Beyond: Unearthing Hidden Gems: While less common than Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec is steadily gaining recognition for its potential in New Zealand. Several producers are experimenting with this variety, producing wines with vibrant color, juicy fruit flavors, and a distinctive spicy character. The awards also acknowledged smaller wineries exploring other red grape varieties like Syrah and even Gamay, further expanding the diversity of New Zealand’s red wine offerings.

Regional Highlights:

• Central Otago: Continued dominance in Pinot Noir, showcasing elegance and complexity.
• Hawke's Bay: Exceptional Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blends demonstrating power and finesse.
• Martinborough: Refined Pinot Noir with a focus on sustainable practices.
• Marlborough: Emerging red wines showing promise, particularly Pinot Noir and smaller plantings of other varieties.
• Canterbury: Cool-climate reds offering unique character and potential for aging.

Looking Ahead: The Viva 2025 Wine Awards serve as a powerful testament to the evolving landscape of New Zealand’s red wine industry. Winemakers are embracing innovation, focusing on terroir expression, and demonstrating a commitment to quality that is elevating the country's reputation on the world stage. Consumers seeking something beyond the ubiquitous Sauvignon Blanc should explore these award-winning reds – they represent a new chapter in New Zealand’s winemaking story, one filled with promise, diversity, and exceptional flavor. To truly appreciate this red wine renaissance, exploring the individual wineries recognized in the awards is highly recommended. The full list of winners can be found on the Viva website (link provided in the original article), offering a comprehensive guide to New Zealand’s finest red wines. This isn't just about celebrating success; it's about encouraging exploration and discovery within the vibrant world of New Zealand wine.