Why Pinot?

Our unwavering dedication to exclusively crafting Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris wines in Martinborough can be attributed to a profound philosophy rooted in quality and terroir expression. We place a paramount emphasis on producing wines of unparalleled excellence, choosing to focus solely on these two varietals to ensure a meticulous and undivided attention to detail.

By limiting our portfolio to Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, we can leverage the unique climate, soil, and microclimates of Martinborough to create wines that are true reflections of the region's terroir. This singular focus allows us to intimately understand the intricacies of these grapes and tailor our winemaking approach accordingly. Every step of the winemaking process, from vineyard management to fermentation, is carefully curated to accentuate the distinctive characteristics of each varietal.

Furthermore, this dedicated approach allows us to consistently produce single vineyard wines of uncompromised quality. With a commitment to using only estate-grown fruit from the finest vintages, we maintain a meticulous standard that resonates through every bottle we create.

In a new world wine landscape that often celebrates diversity, our focused approach stands out as a testament to a devotion to showcasing the unique essence of Martinborough's terroir through the lens of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.

Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris from Martinborough exudes a captivating allure that competes favorably with wines hailing from its traditional origin, Alsace.

In Martinborough, our wines mirror the esteemed offerings of Alsace by radiating intricate layers of complexity and opulence. Our fruit is exclusively sourced from the Te Muna Valley and the must is meticulously subjected to fermentation within aged French barriques, resulting in a wine that boasts profound layers of depth and a luscious richness and texture.

Much like their Alsace counterparts, Pinot Gris from Martinborough undergoes a remarkable transformation akin to a maturing peach. The transition over time from initial firmness to eventual subtle complexity adds to their enchantment and charm. Although Alsace Pinot Gris boasts classic characteristics characterized by smoky and autumnal notes, Martinborough's rendition ingeniously captures its distinct terroir-driven essence. This underscores the fact that extraordinary Pinot Gris can flourish and evolve remarkably even beyond their original viticultural roots.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir, often referred to as the "heartbreak grape," presents unique challenges in cultivation and winemaking that contribute to its reputation as a difficult grape variety. The thin-skinned and delicate nature of Pinot Noir grapes makes them susceptible to weather fluctuations, diseases, and pests. Achieving the ideal balance of sugar and acidity at harvest is a delicate process that requires careful monitoring and timing.

Martinborough has emerged as a noteworthy counterpart to Burgundy for producing exceptional Pinot Noir. The region's cool climate and diverse soils provide an ideal terroir for cultivating this finicky grape variety. The maritime influence and diurnal temperature range in Martinborough contributes to slower ripening, allowing grapes to develop complex flavors while maintaining acidity.

Like Burgundy, Martinborough's focus on specific terroirs and regional characteristics has led to the production of high-quality Pinot Noir wines. The combination of meticulous vineyard management, a favorable climate, and a commitment to showcasing the grape's true potential makes Martinborough a compelling contender for Pinot Noir enthusiasts.