Akarua, Pinot Noir 2022

In Maori, the name 'Akarua' means two grape varieties. Pinot noir and Chardonnay, the two varieties first planted on the estate in 1996 by Sir Clifford Skeggs. They now represent 78.5% and 2% of the plots respectively, with a small amount of Pinot Gris and Riesling completing the offer. Drawing on the know-how of the local teams and its international winemaking expertise, Edmond de Rothschild Heritage's ambition is to maximise Akarua's exceptional potential to produce the country's finest pinot noir from a single estate, to create elegant wines and exceptional vintages and to become the New Zealand benchmark for the national and international markets.

Eye: The colour of this Pinot Noir is a brilliant ruby red, with a certain transparency typical of wines of this variety, and slightly purplish tints.

Nose: The nose is delicate and complex, offering a fine range of aromas. There are aromas of fresh red fruit such as cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry. Floral notes of rose and violet often mingle with more subtle touches of undergrowth, damp earth and sweet spices such as cinnamon and cloves.

Palate: On the palate, this Pinot Noir is elegant and well-balanced. The tannins are fine and silky, providing a soft texture and a lovely roundness. The red fruit flavours are confirmed, accompanied by hints of plum, blackberry and a light minerality. A hint of vanilla and toast can also be detected, testifying to well-controlled barrel ageing.

Food and wine pairing: This Pinot Noir goes perfectly with light to moderately rich dishes. It goes wonderfully with duck, roast chicken, mushroom-based dishes, oily fish such as salmon, as well as mature, creamy cheeses.