Mount Edward Ted Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020
There are many characters in New Zealand winemaking and one of the largest is Duncan Forsyth.
Maverick or genius, planting vines in the cold of Otago takes some nerve. These vineyards are on the edge of what is possible, the climate is so marginal. With a biodynamic approach and the reassuring chaos of a smallholding full of pigs and chickens the wines, especially the exquisite Riesling, win awards and praise worldwide proving that we should all try to be a little bit different.
Mount Edward's winemaking approach is traditional. They are Organically certified in both vineyards and wineries, although the wines themselves are not certified as organic in the UK. They use natural yeasts and minimal intervention at all stages to produce wines that reflect the vintage from which they came. The Central Otago climate and soils are unique with the parent rock being glacially derived schist. Most of the soils have been cultivated only a few times in the 100 years before the viticulturists arrived, and some not at all. The growing season is warm and dry with cool nights. It is a short season, however, with a risk of frost early and late and they actively restrict crop levels managing the vine canopy to achieve balance and uniform ripeness regardless of variety.
Vinified using open fermenters, hand plunging, natural yeasts, and 11 months in French oak – 20 % new – before racking and settling in tank for a further 3 months. Fermentation was carried out using de-stemmed fruit.
Aromas of dark berry fruits, spice, savoury tones and thyme. A sinewy palate is full of bright fruit flavours with a delicate herbal thread throughout. Fabulous with smokey pork loin or bbq'd salmon.
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