Kusuda Syrah 2022

Located in Martinborough, on New Zealand's North Island, the Kusuda estate cultivates its vines on well-drained alluvial terraces composed of gravel and silt. This cool and windy area benefits from a temperate climate, characterized by significant temperature variations that promote a slow and even ripening of the Syrah grapes. The proximity of the mountains and the maritime influence help preserve a beautiful natural acidity, while low yields and meticulous vineyard work allow the character of the Martinborough terroir to be precisely expressed.

This wine reveals notes of ripe black fruits , blackberry and plum , complemented by floral touches of violet and spicy accents of black pepper . Smoky nuances and a light oak character bring complexity and depth to the whole. On the palate, the wine is ample and precise, supported by lively acidity , fine but firm tannins , and a silky texture that lingers on a long, fresh, and delicately spicy finish.

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!