Burn Cottage Pinot Noir 2020

Region and Vineyards

Burn Cottage is situated in the Central Otago wine region, renowned for producing some of the best cool-climate Pinot Noir in the world. The region’s continental climate, with its warm days and cool nights, allows the grapes to ripen slowly while preserving vibrant acidity and freshness. The vineyard’s high planting density of 5,000 vines per hectare encourages vine competition, resulting in more concentrated and expressive fruit.

The 2020 growing season in Central Otago began with cool temperatures and regular rainfall in November and December, extending the flowering period. However, warmer conditions in January and February ensured even ripening, while cooler days in March allowed the fruit to develop complexity and maintain excellent natural acidity. This extended ripening period gave the wine a refined balance between concentration and freshness.

Winemaking

The Burn Cottage Pinot Noir was harvested with an average Brix of 23.5 at harvest. The winemaking process focuses on minimal intervention to preserve the purity of the fruit. Only 7% whole clusters were included in the fermentation, adding structure and complexity without overpowering the wine’s delicate aromatics.

The grapes were fermented in open-top fermenters, spending an average of 18 days on the skins for gentle extraction of tannins and color. The wine was then aged for 11 months in 25% new French oak barrels, sourced from the Damy and Mercurey cooperages. This careful use of oak contributes subtle depth and complexity while allowing the bright fruit and floral notes to take center stage.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with brilliant clarity.
• Aroma: Perfumed aromas of red cherry, violets, and spice, layered with savory notes of bramble and hints of wet riverstone minerality.
• Palate: The palate is refined and layered, with flavors of red cherry and violet complemented by subtle spices and earthy elements. Fine-grained tannins give the wine a silky texture, extending through a long, vibrant finish. There’s a wonderful balance of freshness, intensity, and structure.

Did You Know?

Burn Cottage follows biodynamic principles, ensuring that the vineyard is in harmony with its environment. The vines are cultivated using natural methods, and the entire farming process is aligned with lunar cycles. This holistic approach enhances the health of the soil and vines, contributing to the purity and expressiveness of the wines.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Duck breast with cherry sauce: The wine’s red cherry and floral notes complement the richness of the duck, while the acidity cuts through the fat.
• Mushroom risotto: The earthy flavors of the mushrooms pair beautifully with the wine’s subtle spice and savory elements.
• Herb-crusted lamb: The wine’s fine tannins and vibrant acidity balance the richness of lamb, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Grilled salmon with herb butter: The wine’s acidity and minerality are a perfect match for the richness of salmon, enhancing the dish’s flavors.

History of Burn Cottage Estate

Founded in 2002, Burn Cottage quickly gained a reputation for excellence in the world of wine. The estate was established by Americans Marquis and Dianne Sauvage, who were captivated by the potential of Central Otago to produce world-class wines, particularly Pinot Noir. Marquis Sauvage was inspired to create a vineyard that would work harmoniously with the environment, adopting biodynamic practices from the beginning.

Ted Lemon, a renowned winemaker with experience in Burgundy and California, was brought in as a consultant to guide Burn Cottage’s winemaking philosophy. His expertise helped shape the estate’s vision of producing wines that reflect the vineyard’s unique terroir, using minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the winery.

Since its first vintage in 2009, Burn Cottage has become known for producing exceptional Pinot Noir and has earned accolades for its commitment to sustainability and its ability to craft wines that are true to the vineyard's natural environment.

Region and Vineyards

Burn Cottage is located in the Lowburn sub-region of Central Otago, New Zealand’s southernmost wine-growing area and one of the best regions in the world for cool-climate Pinot Noir. Central Otago’s continental climate, with its hot summers, cool nights, and long growing season, is ideal for growing Pinot Noir grapes. The region’s soils are composed of schist, clay, and gravel, which contribute to the distinct minerality and depth of Burn Cottage’s wines.

The Burn Cottage Vineyard covers 24 hectares, with plantings of Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Grüner Veltliner. The vineyard is farmed according to biodynamic principles, which means that the farming practices are guided by the lunar calendar and focus on maintaining soil health, biodiversity, and the overall well-being of the vineyard ecosystem.

The estate’s Pinot Noir vines are planted at a high density, which encourages competition between the vines, resulting in lower yields but more concentrated and complex fruit. The use of cover crops and natural composts also enhances the vitality of the vineyard, ensuring that the wines truly reflect the terroir of Central Otago.

Wine Range

Burn Cottage focuses on producing Pinot Noir but also crafts limited amounts of Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. The winery’s approach is based on minimal intervention, allowing the natural characteristics of the grapes and vineyard to shine through in the wines.

• Burn Cottage Pinot Noir: The estate’s flagship wine, this Pinot Noir showcases the vibrant red fruit, spice, and earthy complexity that Central Otago is known for, with a refined structure and long aging potential.
• Moonlight Race Pinot Noir: A blend from three different vineyard sites in Central Otago, including Burn Cottage, Sauvage Vineyard, and Luna Vineyard, offering a more accessible expression of Central Otago Pinot Noir with vibrant fruit and layered complexity.
• Sauvage Vineyard Pinot Noir: A single-vineyard Pinot Noir from the estate's Sauvage Vineyard, this wine highlights the depth, power, and elegance of the vineyard’s terroir.
• Riesling & Grüner Veltliner: Limited-production wines that are made with the same focus on purity and expression as the estate’s Pinot Noir.

Did You Know?

Burn Cottage was one of the first vineyards in Central Otago to adopt biodynamic farming practices from the outset. The estate’s commitment to sustainability and biodynamic viticulture has earned it certifications and recognition in the global wine community. Additionally, Burn Cottage's philosophy is rooted in a belief that farming in harmony with the land not only benefits the environment but also leads to more expressive and distinctive wines.