Pinot Noir, New Zealand
Pinot Noir is a red grape that is one of the most challenging to grow in any part of the world. Due to its thin skin and tight bunches, it is susceptible to both mould and disease. However, when it is successful, it produces some of the most amazing wines in the world. Although its home is Burgundy, it has emerged as a popular variety in Australia. Representing only 1% of grapes crushed, it has built a high profile with a number of world-class, distinctly Australian wines being produced. The greatest examples coming from the cool climates of the Adelaide Hills, Tasmania, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong and the Yarra Valley.
Pinot Noir performs well on the deepish limestone based subsoils that are found on Burgundy's Côte d'Or. However, yields need to be kept in check. Pinot Noir's concentration and varietal characters disappear rapidly if yields are excessive. Some of the best and most expensive wines in the world are still found in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir also plays a key role in Champagne, being blended with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. In the US, Oregon and Washington state are producing outstanding wines. In New Zealand, great Pinot Noirs are crafted in Martinborough and in Central Otago, New Zealand's only true continental climate.
The thin skins of Pinot Noir mean the wines are lighter in colour, body and tannins. However, the best wines have grippy tannins, fragrance and an intensity of fruit seldom found in wine from other grapes. Young Pinot Noir can smell almost sweet, but as it matures, the best wines develop a sensuous, silky mouthfeel with the fruit flavours deepening and gamey nuances emerging.
The New Zealand wine industry is one of the younger wine regions in the world, whose popularity grew immensely when Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc hit the world wine scene, quite unique in style when compared to the typical French Sancerre.
Wine is successfully cultivated on both the North and South islands from a latitude of 36 degrees in the North to 45 degrees for the most southerly wine region in the world, the south Island's Central Otago. The majority of regions are located in free-draining alluvial valleys except for Waiheke Island and Kawarau Gorge in Central Otago and benefit from the moderating effect of the maritime climate as no vineyard is more than 80 miles from the ocean. With plentiful sunshine hours and cool evening sea breezes, the grapes thrive.
Sauvignon Blanc is the major white variety people will think of when you mention New Zealand Whites, however fantastic Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and less commonly Viognier, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Blanc. Pinot Noir is the most widely planted red variety in New Zealand although Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot (Bordeaux Blends), Syrah are also grown and in even smaller amounts, Tempranillo and Montepulcianos can too be found. Sparkling wines of very high standards are also made in New Zealand.
The key wine regions in New Zealand include Auckland, Canterbury, Central Otago, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Marlborough and Nelson.
Pinot Noir performs well on the deepish limestone based subsoils that are found on Burgundy's Côte d'Or. However, yields need to be kept in check. Pinot Noir's concentration and varietal characters disappear rapidly if yields are excessive. Some of the best and most expensive wines in the world are still found in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir also plays a key role in Champagne, being blended with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. In the US, Oregon and Washington state are producing outstanding wines. In New Zealand, great Pinot Noirs are crafted in Martinborough and in Central Otago, New Zealand's only true continental climate.
The thin skins of Pinot Noir mean the wines are lighter in colour, body and tannins. However, the best wines have grippy tannins, fragrance and an intensity of fruit seldom found in wine from other grapes. Young Pinot Noir can smell almost sweet, but as it matures, the best wines develop a sensuous, silky mouthfeel with the fruit flavours deepening and gamey nuances emerging.
The New Zealand wine industry is one of the younger wine regions in the world, whose popularity grew immensely when Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc hit the world wine scene, quite unique in style when compared to the typical French Sancerre.
Wine is successfully cultivated on both the North and South islands from a latitude of 36 degrees in the North to 45 degrees for the most southerly wine region in the world, the south Island's Central Otago. The majority of regions are located in free-draining alluvial valleys except for Waiheke Island and Kawarau Gorge in Central Otago and benefit from the moderating effect of the maritime climate as no vineyard is more than 80 miles from the ocean. With plentiful sunshine hours and cool evening sea breezes, the grapes thrive.
Sauvignon Blanc is the major white variety people will think of when you mention New Zealand Whites, however fantastic Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and less commonly Viognier, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Blanc. Pinot Noir is the most widely planted red variety in New Zealand although Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot (Bordeaux Blends), Syrah are also grown and in even smaller amounts, Tempranillo and Montepulcianos can too be found. Sparkling wines of very high standards are also made in New Zealand.
The key wine regions in New Zealand include Auckland, Canterbury, Central Otago, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Marlborough and Nelson.
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The Kindred Spirits Hawkes Bay Pinot Noir is sourced from the maritime Te Awanga sub-region of Hawkes Bay from a 12 year old vineyard. A lifted and expressive nose with an array of red cherry, wild forest and almost gamey aromas. ... Learn MoreKindred Spirits Pinot Noir 2014$14.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Devil’s Staircase wines are inspired by the winding road leading from Queenstown to Kingston along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Sourced from several Central Otago vineyards, the Devil’s Staircase Pinot Noir has aromas of black Doris plums, blueberries ... Learn MoreRockburn Devil'S Staircase Pinot Noir 2019$24.99 Per item -
Devil’s Staircase wines are inspired by the winding road leading from Queenstown to Kingston along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Sourced from several Central Otago vineyards, the Devil’s Staircase Pinot Noir has aromas of black Doris plums, blueberries ... Learn MoreRockburn Devil'S Staircase Pinot Noir 2018$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Harvested from 3 vineyards allows selection of the best batches to consistently produce pure Pinot Noir. The nose shows spicy savoury and bright, juicy red fruits. It is medium-bodied with soft velvety tannins, a mix of tart and sweet cherry fruit ... Learn MorePaddy Borthwick 'Paper Road' Pinot Noir 2018$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Sourced from the Southern Valleys with some fruit from the Awatere Valley. This Pinot Noir went through 100% stainless steel fermentation and was hand plunged. This brought out the perfumed berry fruit as well as increasing the silky mouthfeel of the ... Learn MoreBlack Cottage Pinot Noir 2020$25.99 Per item -
Sourced from the Southern Valleys with some fruit from the Awatere Valley. This Pinot Noir went through 100% stainless steel fermentation and was hand plunged. This brought out the perfumed berry fruit as well as increasing the silky mouthfeel of the ... Learn MoreBlack Cottage Pinot Noir 2019$25.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Sourced from the Southern Valleys with some fruit from the Awatere Valley. This Pinot Noir went through 100% stainless steel fermentation and was hand plunged. This brought out the perfumed berry fruit as well as increasing the silky mouthfeel of the ... Learn MoreBlack Cottage Pinot Noir 2018$25.99 Per itemOut of stock -
“An early bottling in a traditional ‘nouveau’ style. It is terrific to see so clearly, the flavours of two of our oldest and most favourite vineyards without the overlay of extended oak ageing and complex winemaking. We like to enjoy ... Learn MoreAkarua Pinot Noir 'Rouge' 2020$28.99 Per item -
“An early bottling in a traditional ‘nouveau’ style. It is terrific to see so clearly, the flavours of two of our oldest and most favourite vineyards without the overlay of extended oak ageing and complex winemaking. We like to enjoy ... Learn MoreAkarua Pinot Noir 'Rouge' 2019$28.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Well balanced and aged Reserve Pinot Noir from Central Otago ... Learn MoreAnthem Reserve Pinot Noir 2009$29.99 Per item -
From family owned & operated estate founded in 1996, this wine has a Bouquet of maraschino cherries, plums, cranberries and cedar. A core of dark cherry, cloves and wild herbs are supported by bright fruit and French oak that complement a rich ... Learn MorePaddy Borthwick Pinot Noir 2015$31.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The nose is dense and intriguing, with layered black and blue berry fruits, toasted spice, cola and an ethereal floral lift. The palate is velvety and plush up front, brimming with wild berry fruits, currants, lightly roasted coffee beans and ... Learn MoreNanny Goat Pinot Noir 2019$32.99 Per item -
Mainly found in restaurants, this fantastic new offering from Escarpment Wines really punches above its price point. The first release of this new 'entry level' wine, a new benchmark has been set for affordable and enjoyable NZ Pinot Noir. Created ... Learn MoreEscarpment 'Noir' Pinot Noir 2018$34.99 Per item -
Far from a sold-out rarity, as is often the case with heavily awarded wines; RUA Pinot Noir is widely available in NZ and beloved by Kiwis who describe it as their ‘go to’ and ‘everyday’ wine. ... Learn MoreAkarua 'Rua' Pinot Noir 2017$34.99 Per itemOut of stock -
t captures the mix of gorgeous Pinot red fruits with a delicious savoury underbelly. Drinking beautifully now it's a floral scented, juicy wine layered with fine tannins, raspberry and blackcurrant, wild strawberry and spice flavours. ... Learn MorePeregrine 'Mohua' Otago Pinot Noir 2008$37.99 Per item -
This unique Blanc de Noir was made from 100% Pinot noir grapes, grown on our family owned vineyard. Ripe hand picked fruit and gentle winemaking have given a wonderfully balanced wine. The elegant champagne colour resulted from minimal skin contact prior ... Learn MoreWooing Tree The Blondie 2019$39.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Such a popular Pinot Noir every year, we often think it must be the best value you can find in Central Otago. The 2018 Maude is sourced from Central Otago’s premium sub regions, each contributing to this savoury, complex Pinot ... Learn MoreMaude Pinot Noir 2018$39.99 Per item -
Pinot Noir is a notoriously difficult grape to cultivate that grows best in cooler climates, hence the growing reputation for quality in the Central Otago region. Our terroir produces fruit that is intensely coloured and brimming with flavour. This fruit ... Learn MoreNevis Bluff Pinot Noir 2015$43.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir with ripe plum, raspberry and dark cherry flavours. Focused, fresh and soft-textured wine with an easy appeal. ... Learn MoreFreeland Wines Pinot Noir 2009$44.99 Per item
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Dog Point Pinot Noir is one of the icons of Marlborough and for good reason. Winemakers Ivan and James first began their journey in the NZ wine game by starting globally-acclaimed winery Cloudy Bay. They are maestro’s at producing ... Learn MoreDog Point Pinot Noir 2017$44.99 Per item -
Dog Point Pinot Noir is one of the icons of Marlborough and for good reason. Winemakers Ivan and James first began their journey in the NZ wine game by starting globally-acclaimed winery Cloudy Bay. They are maestro’s at producing ... Learn MoreDog Point Pinot Noir 2016$44.99 Per itemOut of stock -
"Winemaker Larry McKenna now has 30 years of experience with Martinborough Pinot Noir, and its on full display in this blend assembled from various plots around the village." Wine Enthusiast Wonderful aromatics with cherry and red currant aromas and some earthy ... Learn MoreEscarpment Martinborough Pinot Noir 2017$53.99 Per itemOut of stock -
"Winemaker Larry McKenna now has 30 years of experience with Martinborough Pinot Noir, and its on full display in this blend assembled from various plots around the village." Wine Enthusiast Wonderful aromatics with cherry and red currant aromas and some earthy ... Learn MoreEscarpment Martinborough Pinot Noir 2016$53.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Floral and herbal is the first impression in the glass before an alluring perfume of aromatic red berry fruit and mineral undertones develops. There is a generous palate of fine tannins, and the pure red fruit and savory notes are ... Learn MoreChard Farm 'Mata Au' Pinot Noir 2018$54.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The flagship from Two Paddocks – an organically grown barrel selection from the estate properties. In 2019 this wine was produced from the four Neill family Central Otago vineyards. These small sites are high-density planted in a range of clonal material cropped ... Learn MoreTwo Paddocks Pinot Noir 2019$55.00 Per item -
Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the first five wine makers to venture into Marlborough. It has a seriously enticing Pinot nose of strawberries, earthy mushrooms and smoky spice. The palate is soft, delicious and integrated with red berry ... Learn MoreCloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2018$57.99 Per item -
The first release of Untouched, a wine that has had no intervention except picking, pressing and bottling. Left to become wine with no additions. A vibrant nose with aromas of cherries, earth and florals. The nose transfers to the palate ... Learn MoreMammoth Untouched Pinot Noir 2015$57.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Dark floral and spice scents lead to wonderful red and dark fruits, with a lovely seam of minerality supported by supple tannins. Purity, elegance combine with texture, concentration and length. A true reflection of the three Central Otago sub regions ... Learn MorePeregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016$59.99 Per item -
Attractive florals and spice notes with layers of red and dark fruits balanced with a lovely minerality and fine supple tannins. A style that combines purity and elegance with texture, concentration and length. A true reflection of the three Central ... Learn MorePeregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2015$59.99 Per item -
The wine shows enticing bright fruit notes with cherry, rosehip and spice box aromas, but there are also rich earth and dark savoury notes here. The palate is one of elegance, concentration and power, while supple, harmonious tannins give wonderful ... Learn More -
The wine shows enticing bright fruit notes with cherry, rosehip and spice box aromas, but there are also rich earth and dark savoury notes here. The palate is one of elegance, concentration and power, while supple, harmonious tannins give wonderful ... Learn MoreBurn Cottage 'Moonlight Race' Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016$64.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The foundation of this wine is our focus on delivering low-yielding concentrated fruit that expresses our vineyard. In the winery, we employ traditional old world techniques; the grapes are handled gently and the wines are fermented using only the indigenous ... Learn MoreProphet's Rock Home Pinot Noir 2017$65.00 Per item -
Silky and elegant with dark red cherry, spice and blackcurrant. A style that combines purity and elegance with texture, concentration and length. A true reflection of the three Central Otago sub regions that contribute to this Pinot Noir. 100% hand harvested ... Learn MorePeregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014$69.99 Per item -
Intriguing aromas of exotic spice, mocha and dried floral notes. A concentrated palate with layers of dark fruit supported by fine earthy tannins. A style that combines purity and elegance with texture, concentration and length A true reflection of the ... Learn MorePeregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013$69.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Peregrine Wines have named themselves after the Peregrine Falcon, a rare bird of prey found in very small numbers in Otago where the winery is based. This superb Pinot Noir is hand-harvested, warm-fermented and matured on French oak barrels for 10 ... Learn MorePeregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2012$69.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A blend of Pommard clones that were originally sourced from the University of California. Martinborough from 28 year old vines. Will easily age a decade. ... Learn MoreEscarpment 'Kiwa' Pinot Noir 2018$74.99 Per item -
This wine was grown on the Barton Vineyard, Huangarua Road, Martinborough from vines 25 years old. A combination of deep alluvial gravels which the Martinborough Terraces are renowned for and a blend of many clones grown in a very sheltered spot ... Learn MoreEscarpment 'Te Rehua' Pinot Noir 2018$74.99 Per item -
VALLI is the personal vocation of pioneering winemaker Grant Taylor. Grant’s name is synonymous with Otago Pinot Noir. He has been crafting wines there since 1993 when there were only 20 ha planted – today there are over 2000. Grant founded VALLI in 1998 ... Learn MoreValli Waitaki Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017$74.99 Per item -
VALLI is the personal vocation of pioneering winemaker Grant Taylor. Grant’s name is synonymous with Otago Pinot Noir. He has been crafting wines there since 1993 when there were only 20 ha planted – today there are over 2000. Grant founded VALLI in 1998 ... Learn MoreValli Gibbston Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017$74.99 Per item -
VALLI is the personal vocation of pioneering winemaker Grant Taylor. Grant’s name is synonymous with Otago Pinot Noir. He has been crafting wines there since 1993 when there were only 20 ha planted – today there are over 2000. Grant founded VALLI in 1998 ... Learn MoreValli Bendigo Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017$74.99 Per itemOut of stock
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