Wines Of New Zealand

New Zealand is the newest of the world's great wine-growing countries and has rapidly established itself at the cutting edge of the world of wine. Ten years ago its wines were barely exported; today demand is so great that the very best of them are almost unobtainable. Sauvignon Blanc, with its new and irresistible freshness of flavor, was the wine which first focused attention on New Zealand. Soon Chardonnay was found to be every bit as good. More recently, the growers have begun to show that New Zealand's cool climate can produce red wines of the highest quality as well. ROSEMARY GEORGE is a Master of Wine and one of the country's leading wine writers. Travelling from North Island to South Island, she not only describes the vineyards and techniques of the most prestigious growers but has also sought out boutique wineries in remote places.