Hawke's Bay
Hawke's Bay is one of the hottest
and sunniest areas of New Zealand. With 2320 annual sunshine hours,
moderate rainfall, sheltering inland ranges and a warm maritime
climate with a long growing season, it is a perfect location for
creating wines of exceptional quality.
Over 4000 hectares of wine
producing grapes are planted here with the largest planting of red
grape varieties in New Zealand and the second largest number of
plantings overall.
Pask vineyards
Pask's 90 hectares of vineyards are
located in Gimblett Road where Pask was first to plant in the
region now known as Gimblett Gravels. Formed over 100 years ago
when the Ngaruroro River changed its course, the light, stony soils
of the region are low in nutrients, completely free draining, and
create the perfect environment for growing premium quality
grapes.
Daytime temperatures in our
vineyards can be up to 3°C warmer during the day in summer and
autumn compared with most other areas in Hawke's Bay, while thermal
conductivity in the stones contributes to warmer evenings. With the
vineyard sheltered from the prevailing winds by the landmark Roy's
Hill, hot daytime temperatures coupled with the warming effects of
the stony soil produce grapes of intense flavour.
Varieties
Merlot has an excellent natural
aptitude to our vineyard microclimate and is our most widely
planted variety. It is supported by significant plantings of
Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Select plantings of
Malbec, Pinot Gris and Viognier are also in place.
