Oz Clarke: UK Wine expert and TV Presenter on New Zealand wine and his tour of NZ vineyards

Oz Clarke is one of the world's leading wine experts.

Clarke has been writing about wine since the 80's, starting as Britain's Sunday Express' first wine writer, and then moving over to become the Daily Telegraph's first Wine Correspondent. 

He's written over forty books on the topic, recently releasing another: 'Oz Clarke’s Story of Wine: 8000 Years, 100 Bottles.'

Clarke has been wandering New Zealand, reacquainting himself with the best the industry has to offer, speaking at two inaugural winegrowers events as he does so. 

He was last here in 2016, and told Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking that since his last visit he's seen confidence come back into Chardonnay. 

"It's about time," he said.

"New Zealand makes fantastic Chardonnay, a lot of the best Chardonnay in the world."

Clarke says it comes down to the fruit New Zealand winemakers have available to them.

"I often say to winemakers, 'don't be frightened of it.'"

"People would love to have the fruit that you have in New Zealand."

He placed an emphasis on New Zealand wines being different to those produced elsewhere, admitting to Hosking that he's "full of excitement."

"So my general feeling is that, that the place is in a pretty good, good state."

New Zealand is known for its Sauvignon Blancs, and while there is an idea that the popularity can't last, Clarke doesn't necessarily agree.

"The Sauvignon Blanc is not going to fade away, so long as you go on making it well."

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