Country: New Zealand Region: Martinborough Varietal: Pinot Noir  Vintage: 2018 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Ata Rangi Description: Ata Rangi's vineyards are situated in Martinborough, in the Wairarapa region to the north of Wellington. In early 2014 their vineyards achieved full organic certification. Grapes are planted on a thin layer of well-drained alluvial soil. Only the oldest and most revered parcels of fruit are used. The clonal make up of Ata Rangi Pinot Noir is unique to the region with the major portion (40%) being the Abel clone. This clone is later to flower and avoids some of the worst of the spring weather. VINIFICATION 35% of the fruit was whole bunch pressed, with the remainder destemmed. Fruit from the different clones and vineyards were kept separate during fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Fermentation peaked at 32°C and continued for up to 20 days until pressing. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel and spent 11 months in low-toast French oak barriques, of which 35% was new. The wine was blended and held in stainless steel tanks for a further six months before bottling. Tasting Note: Notes of tree-ripened plums, exotic five spice and liquorice on the nose. The palate opens smoothly into full flavours of rose hip and dark plums with fine savoury tannins and fresh acidity that carries the wine to a long, elegant finish Food match: Poultry / Pork / Mediterranean Food