Nelson

The Moutere Hills and Waimea Plains are the key distinction. Moutere’s gravelly clay soils can give wines more texture and weight, while the stony alluvial plains tend towards a fresher profile. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and aromatic whites all have an established place in this small, varied region.

Nelson is sometimes overlooked beside Marlborough, but it offers a different set of sites rather than a smaller version of its neighbour. A Chardonnay or Pinot Noir is a useful starting point. If a bottle names Moutere or Waimea, that gives an extra geographical clue about where its fruit grew.