Meaning two vines in Māori (referring to the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes which the entire estate was originally composed of), Akarua offers some of New Zealand’s most elegant and voluptuous wines.
History
10 years after the founding of Rimapere, a Rothschild estate in the Marlborough Valley known for its aromatic Sauvignon Blanc, Edmond de Rothschild Heritage purchased Akarua. This purchase signalled an expansion of the Rothschild’s reputation for excellence in the rapidly growing world of New Zealand wines and has been continuing to do so since 1996. Although Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were the first varietals to be planted on the estate, Akarua has also begun producing Pinot Gris and Riesling wines.
Terroir
Located in Bannockburn (which is essentially the Pauillac of Central Otago), the terroir offers a rare balance of conditions which perfectly caters to the cultivation of Pinot Noir. This includes vineyard sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day, a gentle wind to reduce disease and schist-based soils to nurture vine roots. In addition to natural resources, Akarua has optimised the quality of their wines through a holistic approach to viticulture: with gentle approaches to winemaking and care taken both across the vineyard and with individual vines. These factors have resulted in fruity, aromatic wines with a distinctly silky-smooth texture. Despite being the second most planted grape variety in New Zealand, Akarua’s Pinot Noirs are incomparable in quality and elegance.
The Wines
Akarua Bannockburn Pinot Noir
The nose reveals a fragrant sweet dark berry, blueberry, spice, mushroom, and a hint of leather. The palate is full bodied with sweet dark cherries, spice, dried herb and smoky oak. Concentrated with bright acidity, silky fine texture and a very long mineral finish.
Akarua The Siren Pinot Noir
The Siren is a powerful and complex wine, floral and spicy, with resonant dark-berry notes. One of the most intense and enticing Pinots we have tasted. Lashes of dark forest fruits, cedar and Morello cherries are carried by velvet tannins onto the palate and will linger on for some time. Outstanding juice!
