Fruitbowl - Fresh Ideas from Hawke's Bay

Hawke's Bay's unique style of Syrah has the potential for putting this region on the world wine map as much as Sauvignon Blanc has done for Marlborough, says newly-appointed EIT viticulture lecturer Mark Krasnow.

An American who has lived most of his life in California, Dr Krasnow took up his position at EIT Hawke's Bay after five years' post-doctoral research work at University of California Davis in the USA.   Located in the small town of Davis near Sacramento, the university enjoys a world-wide reputation for its winemaking and viticulture training programmes and as a leading wine research centre.

"Hawke's Bay Syrah is as unique as Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc" - one of his favourite white wines.  "I have tried Syrah around the world and there's nothing like the Hawke's Bay interpretation.  It has more black pepper flavours, and I believe I could always pick out a Hawke's Bay Syrah.

"When it's good, it rivals anything in France," he says of Hawke's Bay examples of the style.

Dr Krasnow was attracted to the EIT position because it combines teaching with opportunities for research work - both roles he enjoys.  Initially drawn to winemaking, he is convinced that future advances to be made for wine will be achieved in the vineyard.