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West Brook Winery
History:
West Brook Winery was established in 1935 by the present owner's grandfather, Mick Ivicevich in the then rural district of Henderson.
When Anthony and Sue Ivicevich finally decided that the urban sprawl was about to take them over and it was time to move on, they had no idea where they might end up. Their once rural Henderson vineyard and winery was being squeezed by a big city getting bigger and they were about to be rendered vineless. A new location had to be found...
The new home turned out to be Ararimu Valley in Waimauku, north west of Auckland city. In December 1999 West Brook moved into their exciting, new, purpose built winery complex set among vineyards.
The name West Brook had originally been inspired by a west Auckland rail stop of the same name and the Oratia stream, which had once had a water wheel driven mill. The new site with a stream and pond on it seemed apt and this certainly played a part in the Ivicevich's selection of the property.
By the beginning of the 2000 vintage, the small staff of five including Linton, one of Anthony and Sue's sons, had moved the entire winemaking operation in the short space of four months. West Brook's team were now set to carry on their passion for winemaking and set the stage for the fourth generation of the family to continue the winemaking tradition.
West Brook Vineyards:
West Brook concentrate their energies on producing wines from the classical grape varieties that most suit each particular region.
Hawkes Bay: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec.
Marlborough: Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Auckland: Chardonnay, Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir.
Hawkes Bay Vineyards
In Hawkes Bay grapes are purchased from grower and grower/wine producer vineyards that hold to the same philosophies and values as West Brook. The Gimblett Gravels vineyards are on old river beds that enjoy a superb mix of varying soils, silt, shingle and clay deposited by the rivers and streams that drained freely from the inland ranges.
Crafting and blending wines made from the ripe fruit from these different locations is a rewarding task for the winemaker in achieving regional harmony and character.
Marlborough Vineyards
This is a rapidly growing region in viticulture gaining worldwide recognition. The Wiffen Estate Vineyards in the Wairau Valley currently supply West Brook with a large portion of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay. Pinot Noir blocks have been planted, with further plantings on this site being planned in the coming years. Further up the valley, contracts are being signed to develop more vineyards.
Marlborough has more hours of sunshine than other regions in New Zealand and a long slow ripening season extends well into late April, with cool nights preserving acidity and concentrating fruit flavours.
Auckland Vineyards
The Ararimu Valley block in Waimauku enjoys a considerably different terroir from vineyards in nearby Kumeu and other Auckland Regions. Firstly, the soils are composed of free-draining loams, not the clay soil types typically found in the region.
Secondly, at around 2C warmer during the day and up to 4C cooler in the evenings than across the rest of the Auckland isthmus, the unique Ararimu Valley micro-climate is ideal for growing Pinot Noir. The block has proven its ability to produce quality Chardonnay, Merlot and Malbec too.
Sustainable Winegrowing
West Brook is a member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand. This group monitors every aspect of viticulture, right down to winery wastes. Members must implement modern record keeping and management systems for every block within a vineyard, to ensure that what is taken from the land is put back. Spray usage is strictly monitored to minimise and restrict the use of, or even eliminate chemical products, wherever possible.
Soil management is another key issue and each year, vineyard records are audited by SWNZ.
By working closely with the environment and encouraging natural predators, sustainable wine growers maintain control of pests and disease in and around the vineyard and maintain New Zealand's clean green environment.
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Winemaker and Family:
Anthony Ivicevich
"Third-generation winemaker Anthony Ivicevich likes to think wine runs in his veins."
"It's the old story that they weaned me from my mother on a bottle of wine rather than a bottle of milk," said Ivicevich, from West Brook Winery's eight hectare site in Waimauku, about 35 minutes north-west of Auckland.
The Ivicevich family tradition in wine began when Anthony's grandfather, a Croatian immigrant to New Zealand arrived in Auckland during the 1930's and in 1935 established the family's then rural Henderson vineyard and winery.
By the late 1990's, Henderson's growth demanded a change of location and in December 1999, a new vineyard and winery premises were opened at Ararimu Valley Road, Waimauku.
The family tradition continues today for both of Anthony and Sue's children. Linton works as Viticulturist, alongside his parents managing the winery and vineyard, while his older brother Michael is Chief Winemaker for Delegat's. Michael remains involved in his parents business too, from blending wines to assisting with choosing the location of the new winery.
And like her husband and her sons, Susan has grown into the family business. From managing the family's retail wine shop for many years, Susan's past roles have included tying down vines and even driving a tractor. "These are things I would never have dreamed of doing before getting married," said Susan, who now manages West Brook's winery accounts, cellar door sales and exports.
Anthony says that his father, who attested to be open to new ideas, more often was not. But Anthony is eager to incorporate his sons' views whenever he can - or the ideas of any staff member for that matter.
He reckons winemaking hasn't changed too much during his lifetime. Other than screw tops, the biggest change has been understanding the science behind winemaking. "Years ago you did certain things in winemaking, but you didn't know why you did it. It was the way it had always been done. Science has a big part to play now."
West Brook's award-winning wines are currently exported to six markets around the world including Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Germany and Malaysia.
From the New Zealand Herald article "Generations Ripening on the Vine"
By Michelle Dacruz
Brands:
Wines under the West Brook label are produced to emphasise the true varietal character and the unique regional origins of each wine. They are wines that can be enjoyed early but can be cellared confidently. Without exception they are premium quality, have won numerous awards are represent superb value-for-money.
To View the West Brook Range, Please Click Here
Blue Ridge
Inspiration for the Blue Ridge selection of wines came from the Waitakere Ranges which dominate the West Auckland skyline. Blue Ridge wines are produced from selected parcels of the best grapes of the vintage. The wines are handcrafted with the focus on attention to detail and matured to display complexity and character.
To View the Blue Ridge Range, Please Click Here
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