SOILS
The Ruamahunga river, linking the sub-regions, has carved out dramatic cliffs, created escarpments of exposed stony sub-soils & built up alluvial layers on the terraces
. These ancient river terraces are covered with mineral-rich silt loam, creating free draining soils. Beyond the terraces lie limestone & clay loam soils. The heating & cooling effects of hot summers & frosty winters breaks down exposed gravels, enhancing the soil's mineral content.
CLIMATE
Long growing seasons, with summers typically hot, winters cold & a good diurnal range during autumn ripening. The North Island's driest
wine region due to a rain shadow from the Tararuas. North-west winds during spring regulate flowering & moderate growth, while nearby coastlines provide semi-maritime influence. Gladstone's vineyards, compared to Martinborough, are more elevated & closer to the ranges, creating a climate slightly cooler & wetter.
SUB-REGIONS
Masterton growers were previously labelling their wines as being from the Wairarapa, a regional term which included Martinborough growers - overseas these wines became confused with those from Waipara (Canterbury). This identity issue was resolved when winegrowers throughout the Wairarapa agreed to use three distinct sub-regional names: Martinborough, Gladstone (vineyards south of Masterton) and Masterton (plantings north of the city). (overview)
Masterton - a dry period
In 1883 Pinot Noir & Hermitage (Syrah) grapes were planted by William Beetham at Lansdowne on the outskirts of Masterton. Romeo Bragato came to NZ in 1895 to investigate winemaking possibilities & after tasting Beetham's Hermitage he concluded that the Wairarapa was "pre-eminently suited to viticulture". But with the advent of ProhibitionMasterton electorate voted itself 'dry' in 1908 - its 15 pubs remained shut until liquor licenses were restored in 1946 in 1908 the vines at Lansdowne were pulled out & grapes did not return to the region until the late 1970's
Geoff Kelly: "The 1903 Lansdowne Claret is alive and well in 1985. The colour is a rosy flush in a copper-garnet hue & the bouquet has good vinosity and fruit/oak complexity, in a faded floral/peach/sultana way. The flavour is clearly old Burgundy in style, with the oak standing firm, yet amazing fruit, body & freshness for the age. The finish is superb, long & lingering. The wine is still satisfying, though very, very dry. It must have had excellent extract, balance & flavour when young to have lasted so long"
