Region and Vineyards
The Martinborough Terrace is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated regions for Pinot Noir, known for its cool-climate conditions and free-draining alluvial soils. These factors combine to produce Pinot Noir with a clear expression of fruit, balanced by fresh acidity and refined tannins. The 2020 vintage in Martinborough was described as "typical" in the best sense, offering optimal conditions for producing high-quality Pinot Noir.
The fruit for this wine comes from six small vineyards, all within 500 meters of the Ata Rangi winery, ensuring a consistent expression of the estate’s terroir. The oldest plantings, including clones Abel, Dijon (115, 667, 777), and Clone 5, contribute to the complexity and elegance of the wine. Ata Rangi’s commitment to organic farming enhances the natural balance and purity of the fruit.
Winemaking
The winemaking process began with 40% whole bunch fermentation, with the remainder of the grapes destemmed. The fermentation was conducted by indigenous yeasts, a method that preserves the unique character of the vineyard. The fruit spent 15-23 days in the fermenters, allowing for maximum extraction of flavor and tannin.
After pressing, the wine completed its malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, where it was aged for a total of 11 months in 35% new oak. Once blended, the wine was held for an additional 8 months before bottling, ensuring the development of complex flavors and a well-integrated structure. The final wine has an alcohol content of 13.9%, a pH of 3.60, and total acidity of 5.2 g/L.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep ruby with a vibrant core.
- Aroma: A full, fragrant nose with notes of juniper, cranberry, and red plum, intertwined with spice and herbal nuances of cardamom, pink peppercorn, and dried oregano.
- Palate: The wine opens bright and supple, with finely coating tannins that extend the full length of the palate. Flavors of red fruit are balanced by savory and spice notes, creating a harmonious and elegant profile. The finish is long and confident, with a touch of minerality adding depth and finesse.
Did you know?
Ata Rangi is a certified organic estate, reflecting the winery’s commitment to sustainability and natural winemaking practices. The Abel clone, often referred to as the "Ata Rangi clone," is a key component of the winery’s Pinot Noir. This clone is believed to have originated from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti in Burgundy, smuggled into New Zealand in the 1970s and now forms the backbone of many top-tier Pinot Noirs in the country.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Duck breast with cherry sauce: The wine’s bright acidity and red fruit flavors complement the rich, gamey flavors of the duck, while the spice and herbal notes enhance the sauce’s depth.
- Mushroom risotto: The earthy undertones of the Pinot Noir pair well with the umami richness of the mushrooms, and its tannin structure cuts through the creaminess of the risotto.
- Herb-crusted lamb: The wine’s fine tannins and savory herbal notes are a natural match for the flavors of rosemary and thyme in the lamb crust.
- Beetroot and goat cheese salad: The wine’s acidity balances the sweetness of the beetroot, while its creamy texture complements the tanginess of the goat cheese.
