Pyramid Valley Central Otago Pinot Noir

On New Zealand’s South Island lies Otago, a tourism hotspot and one of the country’s southernmost wine regions. Otago is a sleeping giant that is slowly waking up, becoming one of the world’s leading producers. We know this to be true because figures show that in 1997 there were only 14 wine producers and less than 200 hectares of vineyards in the central part of this region. By 2018 these numbers had grown to 1904 hectares spread over 211 vineyards.

It has taken more than a decade for producers to start working in this area, with its semi-arid and continental climate, where sunny summers are combined with snow and frost. Despite the extremes, international varieties have shown a great ability to adapt to this environment, one of those being Pinot Noir, making it a more than interesting prospect. One winery who has seen this work well is Pyramid Valley, where they make Pyramid Valley Central Otago Pinot Noir.

Pyramid Valley Central Otago Pinot Noir is a single-variety wine from Manata Estate, a vineyard located in Lowburn, where exceptional Pinot Noirs are produced. This area in particular is a special place, with over 150 years of history and cultivation, and home to some of the oldest vines in Central Otago. Its magic lies in the soil (high in humus and organic matter), as well as its location (on the western and warmer shore of Lake Dunstan). The vines in this area are cared for following biodynamic principles. 

This philosophy continues in the winery, where the grapes are treated with total respect and care, fermented with native yeasts and then the wines are naturally clarified. Finally, Pyramid Valley Central Otago Pinot Noir spends 12 months aging in French oak barrels without further intervention. This is the only way to make the wine “breathe and taste like its home”.