Chat with Vinny
Jane Hunter gives us news on Home Block, the vintage and what else has been going on at Hunter’s Wines.
New Zealand wine specialist Bob Campbell MW reported on the 2024 vintage in April this year:
“Exceptional quality although the quantity is down in most regions”.
New Zealanders are a modest bunch and are loathe to proclaiming ‘it’s the best’ but there are some that will whisper it … that 2024 is possibly the best in the last 40 years. And unlike 2023, when the ferocious Cyclone Gabrielle caused devastation in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, but nowhere else, 2024 dealt an even hand across both islands.
The only exception was Central Otago, who had above average yields, while the rest of New Zealand was 25-40% down. And that was due to drought conditions. For Marlborough, 2024 was the driest on record (those go back 94 years) and its sunniest summer too (848.7 hours of sunshine).
An official drought was declared in mid-March, but even then the vines avoided shutdown. Berry size was saved by a short, sharp 30-50mm of rain on 3rd March – just enough to pep up the vines, bump up berry size a tad, and avert shrivelled Pinot Noir grapes, which had looked very likely.
Come harvest time – up to two weeks early for some – the grapes were super healthy and clean, there was just less of it, due to the small berry size. Ripeness was ideal and even acidity levels thanks to cool nights that started in early autumn. In essence, Marlborough’s winemakers could not have asked for more … apart from larger yields.
Grapes for Home Block are picked early in the morning, pressed and only the free-run juice used in the fermentation – this year, all in stainless steel tanks to retain maximum fruit and freshness, along with its classic mineral elegance.
“The wine shows ripe grapefruit and tropical characters, white peach and citrus notes. A multi-layered palate of fruit well supported by its acidity, this is a fresh and elegant white, with persistent flavours and great structure. A terrific partner with seafood, salads, or simply for sipping on its own.
“Creating a healthy and happy work environment is important to us” Jane Hunter explained. So they were delighted to receive ‘A Most Impactful Initiative Award for Wellness’ among the team at the recent Marlborough Wine Awards.
They pride themselves on providing fresh fruit for staff, weekly Friday wine options, a special cheese tasting, BBQ lunches, and a recent timely visit to their Delta wetland for a clean-up among the young plants after a flood. Coffee and muffins were a welcome reward after the work was completed. It all helps build the team spirit and sense of worth.
In the wider community, they initiated a push for pet food for the animal rescue charity Four Paws, raised funds through Daffodil Day for the Cancer Society and provided breakfast cereals for a School Kickstart programme.
Jane reported, “We have started to replant some of our older vineyards replacing Pinot Noir on stoney soils with Sauvignon Blanc which performs much better in these sites. We have also purchased another vineyard with established Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, which is well known for the high quality of its fruit. We are looking forward to the first vintage!”
Meanwhile they are busy at the winery disgorging their MiruMiru sparkling wine on their newly installed disgorging line, in anticipation of the normal Christmas and New Year rush.
Another new bit of kit is an automatic depalletiser and case packer, which reduces the workload for the team. It also means a very positive transition from cellotape to more environmentally friendly, glue-sealed cartons.
Since 2023, they are proud to have moved to a lighter weight bottle for 95% of their production – from a 420g to a 390g bottle, so saving 41 tonnes of CO2 annually. On top of that, the bottles are made from 40% recycled material, with the aim to get that figure up to 70% in the near future.
All their wines are certified vegan too.
In the vineyards, they have introduced in the last few years a low grassy sward between the rows. This mixed sward approach benefits soil, provides nutrients, and reduces mowing. The seed mix includes chicory, clovers, lupins, plantains, and rye corn. They use a crimp roller on the rye corn to lower its height and create a 'mat'. Clovers gradually take over, providing nitrogen to the grapevines. This approach enhances sustainability and vineyard health.
If you’re heading out to New Zealand and would like to pay the team at Hunter’s a visit, please just drop us a line or email Hunter’s directly.
