31-Aug-2017
The Haha virtual winery has proven to be one of the success stories of the New Zealand industry. Born in 2011, the label was launched with a 2011 Sauvignon Blanc and 2010 Pinot Noir, both from the Marlborough region. Because of the good quality and value of the wines, the brand has nationwide coverage in multiple channels. The wines are also successfully exported. Along with this growth in distribution has come a broadening of the range with different varieties and ‘Reserve’ level wines. The wines now also come from Hawke’s Bay. Ashton Ireland is the driving force behind the sales and marketing, and winemaking veteran John Belsham oversees the wine selection and blending. Haha now employs the services Chris Harrison as the Hawke’s Bay contract winemaker Here I review two wines that demonstrate the further diversification of the range and the desire to fill niches, these being 2016 Chardonnays from Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough. Wine consumers will enjoy comparing the two wines. www.hahawine.co.nz
