D’Amato & Szabo: Wine Thieves – Episode 26: Playing the Long Game: New Zealand Syrah

Syrah might offer a quick return on investment in New Zealand but it may just be another grape that puts New Zealand on the world wine map in the future. In this episode the Wine Thieves are in conversation with Kate Radburnd of Radburn Cellars and Warren Gibson of Trinity Hill, two of New Zealand’s top syrah producers, as they attempt to unlock the secret of this dynamic grape variety that is anything but sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir. 

 

Syrah is grown throughout the country from Waiheke Island to Central Otago but its homeland is firmly in Hawke’s Bay,  New Zealand’s oldest growing region and second-largest after Marlborough. This red grape territory features several subregions, including the Gimblett Gravels and Bridge Pa Triangle, which are emerging as hotspots for distinctive syrah. 

 

The Thieves investigate Busby, mass selection and Hermitage clones, and growing and winemaking practices that are helping to shape a singular New Zealand style. Sara gets a little sidetracked by Hawke’s Bay’s potent rotundone but John brings her back with facts and figures related to syrah’s commercial viability. Join us on the ancient path of the Ngaruroro river, glass of syrah in hand.