New Marlborough alliance promotes sustainable winemaking

Five Marlborough wineries have joined forces to form a new association promoting the famous New Zealand wine region and sustainable winemaking methods.

Calling themselves the Marlborough Natural Winegrowers (MANA), founding members Fromm, Herzog, Huia, Seresin and Te Whare Ra share a belief in growing grapes and making wines without using chemicals.

The new group said it plans to share its learnings regarding organic and biodynamic viticulture, as well as conduct benchmark tastings together, all with a focus on improving quality.

The association also noted that it is open to further members within Marlborough who share its winemaking philosophy.

Marcus Pickens, who is general manager for the regional body Wine Marlborough, said he is supportive of the initiative.
 
“It is a sign of the continuing evolution of Marlborough as a wine region when wineries can identify common unifying threads that allow them to pursue a goal that in wine should be overarching – quality.”

The foundation of niche organisation MANA follows news at the beginning of the year of the formation of another Kiwi alliance calling itself the Specialist Winegrowers of New Zealand.

The controversial collection of boutique wine producers proclaimed upon their formation that they were trying to distance themselves from the country’s Sauvignon Blanc-centric reputation and exclude producers of the variety.

To read more about New Zealand’s future success beyond Marlborough, see the September issue of the drinks business.

Patrick Schmitt, 19.08.2010