Wairau River Reserve Pinot Noir

Wairau River wines take their name from the river that runs through the heart of the Marlborough wine region, Wairau is Māori for 'many waters'. The Rose family were pioneers in planting vines in the 1970`s and after originally selling the grapes to other wineries, such as Cloudy Bay, they launched their own label in the early 1990`s. Today their foresight has created a very successful company which remains family owned and run.

Wairau River is one of the largest independent wine estates in Marlborough, and the range of elegant wines is characteristically expressive of its Marlborough roots. Marlborough is by far New Zealand’s largest grape growing region with more than two-thirds of all plantings. First planted in 1873 it is known in the region by the Māori name, Kei puta te Wairau meaning 'the place with the hole in the cloud' due to its very high 2,410 sunshine hours a year. High sunshine and a dry growing season help to create the famous intense flavours.

Generally, plantings are in two main valleys of Wairau and Awatere. Much of the land is alluvial river basin with well-drained and clay slopes better suited Pinot Noir. This is perfect for wineries who want to make high quality, vibrant Pinot Noir as it provides the perfect conditions for the grapes to become ripe but also remain fresh due to the closeness to river.

This fantastic Pinot Noir is made from hand harvested selected grapes from the Home Block single vineyard. Open top fermentations in top French oak are followed by fifteen months ageing in barrels, of which twenty five percent is new. This helps to soften and balance the high levels of acidity common in pinot without overpowering the elegant varietal profile of the wine itself.

This wine provides dark fruits entwined with savoury richness and toasty notes. The complexity of the nose continues through the palate revealing a generous, medium bodied weight, packed with black fruit and mocha nuances delivered with a refined texture and a persistent finish. This Pinot is perfect for pairing with food thanks to its medium body and depth of flavour. Dishes such as garlic roasted lamb, venison steak or roasted salmon with capers are perfect for this wine.