Crimson Pinot Noir 2022

The Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir cuvée is an exceptional red wine from Martinborough , on the North Island of New Zealand , a region renowned for its ability to produce elegant and profound Pinot Noir . A pioneer of New Zealand vineyards, the estate cultivates its vines on the region's ancient alluvial terraces , with stony, well-drained soils, perfect for this delicate grape variety. The cool climate, marked by large temperature variations, allows for slow and complete ripening of the grapes , ensuring both freshness and aromatic intensity.

The Crimson cuvée comes from young vines on the estate. The vinification is precise and respectful of the fruit: fermentation in partially whole bunches, gentle punching down, then aging in French oak barrels (around 10 months) , with a moderate proportion of new wood to preserve the purity of the Pinot Noir.

Upon tasting, the wine reveals a ruby color and an expressive nose blending red cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, peony and violet , supported by subtle notes of sweet spices, undergrowth and black tea . On the palate, the attack is supple, the texture silky, and the fine tannins stretch out to a long and fresh finish , evoking cranberry and white pepper.

Introduced in 1819, the cultivation of vines was greatly developed by Jean-Baptiste Pompallier, a French Marist missionary. Sent to Oceania in 1837, he settled in January 1838 to develop the New Zealand vineyards. The first quality vineyards were established in the Hawke's Bay region in the 19th and early 20th centuries. After the production hazards first due to Phylloxera and then to the First World War, this vineyard began to expand again during the Second World War when its surface area doubled. Today, New Zealand has 10 major wine regions spread between the North and South Islands, the largest of which is Marlborough. Most of New Zealand's wine regions have a maritime climate. The long, thin shape of the country means that vineyards are never more than 120km from the coast and most are even much closer than that (with the exception of the semi-continental region of Central Otago). A spine of mountains running through the center of the country protects most of the major wine regions from the strong westerly winds from the Tasman Sea known as the "Roaring Forties". Due to these winds, there are few wine growing regions on the west coast of New Zealand. The quality and reputation of New Zealand wines is well established. Indeed, this country produces some of the best and most recognized Sauvignon Blanc in the world. And it is no coincidence that New Zealand has succeeded in making Sauvignon blanc its symbol, just like its sheep, its kiwi and its legendary haka!