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, 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!