Jonathan Hunt from Delegats, Crownthorpe Vineyard, is the Bay's best young viticulturist. Photo / Supplied
Jonathan Hunt from Delegats, Crownthorpe Vineyard, is the Bay's best young viticulturist. Photo / Supplied
Jonathan Hunt recently picked up the region's top young viticulturist title. He chats to Mark Story ahead of August's national final.
What was the toughest component of your recent young vit win? This year's competition had a few sections that were quite academic, so even though thankfully I spent a bitof time studying beforehand a few of the questions went over my head. Also my fiancee Sarah Luke was in the competition for the first time, and it was hard walking the fine line between friendly competition and creating a rivalry at home. Hopefully I managed to stay on one side of that line.
What sparked your career in viticulture? My initial career path was English teaching in Japan, a lifestyle a really enjoyed, but it wasn't until a couple of years had passed that I found I didn't enjoy being a teacher. I was also missing New Zealand so I decided to return. I knew my English degree wouldn't be worth much and that I wanted a fresh start in a new field. I wanted a job where I wouldn't be stuck in an office in a suit, so I looked into the wine industry and chose a viticulture qualification at EIT, a decision I have never regretted.
What are the Bay's primary strengths in terms of growing grapes? Due to our range of climates and soils, Hawke's Bay grows a wide range of varieties well. We're not pigeonholed when it comes to variety like other regions are, which might mean we're a bit limited when it comes to global marketing but we're more likely to weather a shift in demand. I think it also means our growers are more likely to embrace change. As we become increasingly aware of more effective and more sustainable ways to grow it will be our adaptability that determines our success.
Given the recent hunting season, they'll be plenty of ducks in freezers across the region. What Hawke's Bay red would you pair with roasted mallard, and why? Unfortunately there's no ducks in my freezer this year but that can't stop me from picturing my ideal pairing. Nothing goes with duck quite like pinot noir, and the best examples of Hawke's Bay pinot noir I can think of are from Monowai in Crownthorpe and Lime Rock in the Central Hawke's Bay.
You're off to the national final in August – how are the nerves and how are you preparing? Since last Thursday, I've spent a lot of time studying, mostly the things I didn't know at this year's competition but also areas I need to polish up on. I'm not nervous yet at this stage, probably because I'm still just happy to have made it to the final, but I'm sure things will change closer to the date. I just hope I can do Hawke's Bay proud.
