<P> This pervasive use of stainless steel almost certainly had a distinctive effect on both New Zealand wine styles and the domestic palate . The early wines which made a stir internationally were lauded for the intensity and purity of the fruit in the wine . Indeed, the strength of flavor in the wine favored very dry styles despite intense acidity . While stainless steel did not produce the intensity of fruit, it allowed for its exploitation . Even today, New Zealand white wines tend toward the drier end of the spectrum . </P> <P> New Zealand red wines are typically made from a blend of varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and much less often Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec), or Pinot noir . Recently, in Hawkes Bay, there have been wines made from Syrah, either solely or blends, as well as Tempranillo, Montepulciano and Sangiovese . </P> <P> Early success in Hawke's Bay in the 1960s by McWilliams, and in the 1980s by Te Mata Estate, led to red wine grape planting and production concentrating on Cabernet Sauvignon by Corbans, McWilliams, and Mission Estate, among many others . As viticultural techniques were improved and tailored to New Zealand's maritime climate, more Merlot and other Bordeaux - style grapes were planted, with quality and quantity increasing . This trend continues and can be seen in the New Zealand Wine Institute statistics indicating that plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Syrah now account for 2,496 hectares . </P> <P> Typically, Bordeaux blends come from regions and sub-regions of New Zealand that are relatively the hottest and driest. 86% of production is centered in Hawke's Bay, with Waiheke Island also producing some notable wines . Wineries that have made a name for Waiheke Island include Destiny Bay, Stonyridge, and Goldwater Estate . Wines that typify the best of Hawkes Bay include Elephant Hill Airavata, Te Mata Estate's Coleraine and Awatea, Craggy Range's Sophia, Newton Forrest Estate's Cornerstone, Esk Valley's The Terraces and Villa Maria's Reserve Merlot and Cabernet . In Marlborough there are also a small number of producers of Bordeaux - style varietal wines . </P>

Which of the following is considered new zealand signature white grape variety