Wairau Estate Pinot Noir

Marlborough is by far New Zealand’s largest grape growing region with more than
two-thirds of all plantings. First planted in 1873 it is known in the region by the Maori
name, Kei puta te Wairau meaning ‘the place with the hole in the cloud’ due to its
very high 2,410 sunshine hours a year. High sunshine and a dry growing season
help to create the famous intense flavours. Generally, plantings are in two main
valleys of Wairau and Awatere. Much of the land is alluvial river basin with well
drained soils that provide an ideal for Sauvignon Blanc and clay slopes better suited
Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
Producer
Wairau River wines take their name from the river that runs through the heart of the
Marlborough wine region. (Wairau is Maori for `many waters`). The Rose family were
pioneers in planting vines in the 1970`s and after originally selling the grapes to other
wineries (like Cloudy Bay) they launched their own label in the early 1990`s. Today
their foresight has created a very successful company which remains family owned
and run. Wairau River is one of the largest independent wine estates in Marlborough,
and the range of elegant wines is characteristically expressive of its Marlborough
roots.
Tasting Notes
An excellent expression of varietal character with concentrated notes of raspberry,
cherry and wild berry fruits, accompanied with rich savoury bramble and hints of oak.
and supple tannins for an elegant structure. This Pinot Noir comes from low yielding
vines to create wines this great intensity of flavour. The grapes are destemmed and
fermented in open top container with hand plunging for more extraction of flavour
and tannin and then aged in oak for 9 months, creating a Pinot Noir to rival those
from Burgundy.
Food
Lamb, Spiced Duck, Char Siu Pork, Roast Chicken with Confit Ragù, Wild
mushrooms and Polenta with Goat cheese and Herbs, Mushroom Risotto