At the table with Element Vineyard 2019
Roast lamb with herbs, grilled duck breast, beef fillet with peppercorn sauce, root vegetable tagine, aged hard cheeses.
Our wines for
Let's talk little, let's talk wine
Element Vineyard 2019Table rase
Located in the Marlborough region, at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, the Element Vineyard benefits from a cool maritime climate, characterized by significant diurnal temperature variations. The vines are planted on well-draining alluvial soils composed of gravel and silt, which promote slow and steady grape ripening. Cool ocean breezes and generous sunshine help maintain high natural acidity while developing beautiful aromatic concentration in the berries.
The grapes from the Element Vineyard plot are hand-harvested, meticulously sorted, then placed into vats as whole clusters and destemmed berries to preserve fruit purity and structure. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts, accompanied by gentle punch-downs to delicately extract color and tannins. The wine is then aged extensively in French oak barrels, a proportion of which are new, to refine the texture, add aromatic complexity, and respect the precise expression of this Marlborough terroir.
This wine reveals notes of crunchy red fruits, black cherry, and plum, enhanced by delicate floral touches and spicy nuances reminiscent of mild pepper. Subtle woody accents and a hint of minerality add complexity and depth to the whole. The palate is precise and balanced, with a supple texture, a lively acidity that prolongs the tasting experience, fine tannins, and a persistent, fresh, and harmonious finish.
Where are we traveling?
MarlboroughNew Zealand
It is located at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, bordered by the sparkling waters of the Marlborough Sounds to the north and the foothills of the Richmond Ranges to the south. The vineyards extend mainly over the alluvial plains of the Wairau Valley and the higher slopes of the Southern Valleys and Awatere Valley, in a bright landscape of stony terraces bordered by snow-capped mountains. The viticultural history is surprisingly recent: it all began in 1973, when Montana (now Brancott Estate) planted the first Sauvignon Blanc and Müller-Thurgau vines on land then believed to be too cold for viticulture. The success was meteoric, and Cloudy Bay's first vintage in 1985 cemented Marlborough's status as a global phenomenon that single-handedly redefined the style of Sauvignon Blanc. The climate is cool and sunny, benefiting from New Zealand's highest sunshine hours, tempered by cool nights and dry winds descending from the mountains, preserving a sharp acidity and aromas of striking intensity. Marlborough has established itself as the world capital of Sauvignon Blanc, producing explosive wines with notes of passionfruit, gooseberry, and lime zest, complemented by increasingly respected elegant and fruity Pinot Noir, fresh and precise Chardonnays, and traditional method sparkling wines that testify to a region whose ambition now extends far beyond its founding grape variety.
The little history of the country
New Zealand
Introduced in 1819, vine growing was greatly developed by Jean-Baptiste Pompallier, a French Marist missionary. Sent to Oceania in 1837, he settled there from January 1838 onwards to develop New Zealand's vineyards. The first quality vineyards were established in the Hawke's Bay region in the 19th and early 20th centuries. After setbacks caused first by phylloxera and then by the First World War, the vineyards began to expand again during the Second World War, when their area doubled. Today, New Zealand has 10 main wine regions spread across the North and South Islands, the largest of which is Marlborough. Most of New Zealand's wine regions have a maritime climate. The country's long, narrow shape means that vineyards are never more than 120 km from the coast, and most are much closer than that (with the exception of the semi-continental Central Otago region). A spine of mountains running down the centre of the country shields most of the main wine regions from the strong westerly winds off the Tasman Sea known as the "Roaring Forties". Because of these winds, there are few wine regions on New Zealand's west coast. The quality and reputation of New Zealand wines are well established. Indeed, the country produces some of the best and most renowned Sauvignon Blanc in the world. And it is no coincidence that New Zealand has made Sauvignon Blanc its emblem, just like its sheep, its kiwis and its legendary haka!
All about Element Vineyard 2019
At what temperature should Element Vineyard 2019 be served?
Between 14 and 16 °C.
How long can Element Vineyard 2019 be kept?
Ageing potential: 5 to 10 years, until around 2029. Store the bottle lying down, away from light, at around 12 °C.
Which grapes make up Element Vineyard 2019?
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir. Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand. Alcohol: 13.5%.
What to serve with Element Vineyard 2019?
Element Vineyard 2019 pairs well with lamb, beef and hard cheese. Our dish ideas are in the food pairing box at the top of the page.