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A smaller, quality vintage further enhances New Zealand's reputation as a world-class wine producer, says NZ Winegrowers CEO Philip Gregan.
The 2015 New Zealand grape harvest has been completed with grape growers and winemakers across the country pleased with the quality and flavours of the 2015 vintage wines.
Gregan says the dry hot summer provided excellent conditions for ripening grapes across the country.
"As a result we expect vibrant, fruit driven wines which are true expressions of our grape growing regions."
While quality will be high, the vintage size totalled 326,000 tonnes - down 27% on the record 2014 vintage. Despite the excellent summer for growing, the cool spring weather contributed to the marked reduction in the crop.
Given the smaller vintage and the rising demand of New Zealand wine overseas there will be a shortage of vintage 2015 wines, notably Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, says Gregan.
"Although there has been a smaller crop, the wines from the 2015 vintage are sure to further enhance New Zealand's reputation as a world class premium wine producer. Wineries will manage the market implications of the smaller vintage and the precious supply as best they can."
New Zealand wine is exported to more than 90 countries and wine exports are currently valued at $1.39 billion per annum. Wine is New Zealand's 6th biggest export good.
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