Tūpari Pinot Noir 2018

Warm daytime temperatures, a gentle north-facing slope, and clay bound gravels all build the flavours in our wine and result in an elegant Pinot Noir exhibiting earthiness and dark berry notes. This classic varietal expression is complemented by the Tūpari style of elegance and multiple layers of flavours.

FOOD MATCH: The ultimate food wine, enjoy with a fillet of beef or a lovely chicken and wild mushroom risotto.

CHEESE MATCH: A perfect compliment to mild or creamy cheese, try with brie, camembert or a mild cheese made from sheep’s milk.

Tasting Tūpari Pinot Noir in the vineyard

The basis of any wine is the terrior from which it originates. The Tūpari vineyard in the Awatere Valley provides a vibrant concentration of bright cherry and spiced plum flavours. This classic varietal expression is complimented by the Tūpari style of elegance and layers of flavours. We manage the block for quality and aim for one small bunch per shoot with no irrigation. The Dijon clone 777 was specifically selected for its flavour characteristics and suitability to the site.

In 2018, we harvested the grapes at perfect ripeness with just a hint of shrivel. Fermentation included 15% whole bunch to encourages the ripe stem flavours and ripe tannins, creating extra layers of flavour. The juice was cold soaked for four days before fermenting to extract colour and tannin. Fermentation temperature reached 32C in the cap and the wine was plunged four times a day. Five days after fermentation (once Glenn was happy) the wine was put into French oak barriques (25% new) to mature before bottling.