Ata Rangi’s Pinot Noir is considered a ‘Grand Cru’ of New Zealand. The winery’s flagship wine typically shows lifted perfume, bright red fruit, savoury bramble notes underpinned by vibrant acidity and fine silky tannins. A wine of subtle power, with superb depth, complexity, structure and longevity it is a benchmark Pinot Noir for both Martinborough and New Zealand.
Vintage conditions dictate the use of stems and whole bunches in the ferment. The fruit is meticulously hand sorted at the winery with individual blocks kept separate. All barrels are tasted and typically the best plots from the best clones including the famous ‘Gumboot clone’ make the final cut for this flagship wine.
Martinborough
Martinborough is located on the North Island of New Zealand and is the island’s driest area, due to the rain shadow created by the Tararua and Rimutaka Ranges. The district is prone to spring frosts, with wind machines employed throughout the area to protect young vines from frost damage. Martinborough’s climate is cool with some maritime influence and the region enjoys one of the longest growing seasons in New Zealand. There is significant diurnal variation, excellent for preserving aromatics and acidity and the naturally breezy conditions help to curb vine vigour, resulting in low yields of grapes with great intensity and flavor concentration. Over time, the river which runs through the region, has carved out cliffs and escarpments to expose stony sub-soils, helping to create the premium vineyard site of ‘Martinborough Terrace’ built over layers of alluvial river terraces. Martinborough has significant plantings of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling but is best known for producing outstanding Pinot Noir sought the world over.
