Neudorf Home Block Moutere Pinot Noir 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Moutere Hills, located in Nelson on New Zealand’s South Island, are known for their ancient clay-gravel soils, which impart structure, concentration, and fine tannins to the wines produced here. These soils, paired with the region's temperate maritime climate, create ideal growing conditions for Pinot Noir, allowing for a slow and balanced ripening process.

Neudorf Vineyards, established in 1978, has long been recognized for its sustainable and organic viticulture practices, particularly in their Moutere clays vineyards, which produce smaller, intensely flavored berries. The vineyard’s location benefits from long, sunny days and cool nights, preserving the acidity and freshness essential to the wine’s complexity.

Winemaking

The Neudorf Moutere Pinot Noir was crafted with a minimal-intervention philosophy, emphasizing the purity of fruit and the expression of the vineyard’s unique terroir. The grapes were hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and underwent wild fermentation with indigenous yeasts, a natural approach that enhances the complexity of the wine.

After fermentation, the wine was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, with 20% new oak to provide structure and depth without overpowering the fruit. This careful aging process helped the wine to develop its signature elegance and long aging potential. The winemaking approach emphasizes natural acidity, fine tannins, and a clear sense of place, allowing the Moutere Pinot Noir to express its full potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby red with brilliant clarity.
• Aroma: The nose opens with vibrant aromas of red cherries, raspberries, and wild strawberries, layered with notes of dried herbs, spice, and earthy undertones.
• Palate: The palate is elegant yet intense, showcasing flavors of plum, cranberry, and black cherry, complemented by subtle hints of oak, liquorice, and minerality. The tannins are fine and silky, contributing to a balanced and harmonious texture.
• Finish: Long, persistent, with a refreshing mineral finish and lingering notes of fruit and spice.

Did You Know?

Neudorf Vineyards, established in 1978, was among the pioneers in Nelson’s wine industry, particularly known for its focus on organic farming and sustainable viticulture. The founders, Tim and Judy Finn, were early adopters of natural winemaking techniques, allowing the unique terroir of the Moutere Hills to shine through in every bottle. Their commitment to minimal intervention and expressing the purity of their vineyard's soils has earned Neudorf a reputation for producing some of New Zealand's finest Pinot Noir wines.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Duck confit: The wine’s earthy notes and fine acidity pair beautifully with the richness of duck confit, balancing the savory flavors with fresh fruit undertones.
• Mushroom risotto: The wine’s subtle earthiness and elegant structure enhance the umami flavors of a mushroom-based risotto, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Venison with berry sauce: The bright acidity and red fruit notes of the wine complement the richness of venison, especially when served with a berry reduction.
• Grilled lamb chops: The fine tannins and complexity of the wine elevate the flavors of grilled lamb, particularly when seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme.

History of Neudorf Vineyards

Neudorf Vineyards was founded by Tim and Judy Finn in the late 1970s, during a time when the New Zealand wine industry was still in its infancy. The couple, driven by a passion for wine and a pioneering spirit, planted their first vines in Moutere Hills, Nelson, a region they believed had the potential to produce world-class wines. Over the years, Neudorf has grown from a small, family-run operation into a globally respected winery, with a focus on sustainable, organic viticulture and a commitment to low-intervention winemaking.

Judy Finn has been a key force in building the winery's reputation, particularly with her strong stance on sustainability and organic practices. The estate is now a beacon for environmentally conscious winegrowing, aiming to produce wines that are true expressions of the land. Neudorf’s philosophy revolves around minimal manipulation in the vineyard and winery, allowing the unique characteristics of the Moutere soils to shine through.

Region and Vineyards

Neudorf Vineyards is situated in the Moutere Hills within the Nelson region, located on New Zealand’s South Island. Nelson enjoys a maritime climate, characterized by long sunshine hours, warm days, and cool nights, ideal for slow-ripening grapes. This ensures the wines retain vibrant acidity and a fresh fruit character, essential for producing elegant and balanced wines.

The Moutere clay-gravel soils are a key feature of Neudorf’s vineyards. These well-draining soils, rich in minerals, provide excellent conditions for the vines, encouraging deep root growth and producing grapes with intense concentration and complexity. The region’s unique terroir, combined with low-yielding vines, results in wines with a distinct sense of place.

Wine Range

Neudorf Vineyards is internationally celebrated for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, both of which consistently receive high acclaim.

• Moutere Pinot Noir is the flagship red, known for its silky texture, complex layers of red fruit, and hints of earth and spice. This wine is crafted with minimal intervention and has excellent aging potential.

• Tom’s Block Pinot Noir offers a more approachable, fruit-forward style while still retaining the elegance and structure of Neudorf’s signature Pinot Noir.

• Moutere Chardonnay is regarded as one of New Zealand’s finest, showcasing a rich yet precise minerality, with notes of stone fruit, citrus, and well-integrated French oak. It has a long aging potential.

• Rosie’s Block Chardonnay presents a more fruit-driven style, with vibrant, fresh characteristics, perfect for earlier drinking.

Neudorf also excels with aromatic whites:

• Moutere Riesling is celebrated for its crystalline purity and zesty citrus flavors, underpinned by a vibrant acidity and a mineral core that reflects the terroir.

• Albariño is a recent addition, delivering tropical fruit flavors with a saline minerality, making it perfect for seafood pairings.

• Pinot Gris offers rich notes of pear and apple, balanced by a clean acidity, creating a full-bodied yet refreshing wine.

This diverse range reflects the unique Moutere Hills terroir and Neudorf’s commitment to sustainability and minimal intervention.

Did You Know?

The name "Neudorf" is a nod to the early German settlers in the region, whose heritage is still reflected in the names and culture of the area. Neudorf Vineyards is also committed to biodiversity, with large portions of their estate dedicated to native bush regeneration, reflecting their deep commitment to both the environment and their community.