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Akitu A2 Pinot Noir is a beautifully crafted wine from the spectacular alpine vineyards of Central Otago, New Zealand. Produced by one of the region’s most respected boutique wineries, this expressive Pinot Noir showcases vibrant red fruit, floral aromatics and a finely balanced structure that has become synonymous with world-class cool-climate Pinot Noir.
The wine is named after the Māori word for “summit” or “apex”, reflecting its remarkable high-altitude vineyard overlooking Lake Wānaka. The A2 Pinot Noir is made to express the character of this exceptional site, combining bright fruit with savoury complexity, silky tannins and impressive freshness. It is an ideal choice for both seasoned Pinot Noir enthusiasts and those discovering the style for the first time.
Whether you’re pairing it with roast duck, lamb, mushroom dishes or enjoying a glass on its own, Akitu A2 offers sophistication, finesse and outstanding value from one of New Zealand’s finest wine regions.
Akitu A2 Pinot Noir 2019 – Winemaking
A2 represents the estate’s earlier-drinking Pinot Noir, produced to express the purity and elegance of the Akitu vineyard while remaining approachable in its youth.
Akitu is a small, family-owned estate, established in 2001 by Central Otago native Andrew Donaldson, and is dedicated exclusively to producing exceptional Pinot Noir from a single vineyard overlooking the Clutha River near Wānaka. Central Otago is widely recognised as New Zealand’s premier Pinot Noir region. Long sunshine hours, cool nights and free-draining schist soils create ideal growing conditions for producing wines with vibrant aromatics, fresh acidity and beautifully refined tannins. The vineyards surrounding Wānaka enjoy one of the coolest mesoclimates within Central Otago, resulting in Pinot Noir with exceptional fragrance, precision and ageing potential.
The 12-hectare vineyard sits alone at 380m above sea level on a stunning north-facing slope just minutes from Lake Wanaka. The vineyards are block planted in 6 sections on 250-million-year-old schist soils; Blocks A and B were planted in 2002, with the remainder planted the following year. There are approximately 41,000 vines of 6 carefully selected clones of Pinot Noir planted across the vineyard according to soil and aspect.
Rather than chasing power, Akitu focuses on elegance and vineyard expression. Careful vineyard management, gentle extraction and restrained oak maturation allow the distinctive personality of the site to shine through in every vintage. The winemaker is PJ Charteris.
Donaldson’s vision was to produce just the very best Pinot Noir. For many years, only two red wines were produced: Akitu A1 and A2, but these have recently been joined by Akitu Pinot Noir Blanc. Made using gentle pressing to minimise skin contact, this Blanc de Noirs offers delicate citrus, orchard fruit, red berry nuances and mineral freshness while showcasing another expression of this exceptional vineyard.
Order online for UK delivery or visit Fareham Wine Cellar to discover our carefully selected range of New Zealand wines with expert advice from our experienced team.
Akitu A2 Pinot Noir has a dark garnet colour with a crimson glow. The aroma opens with spicy dark cherry and a hint of fresh cinnamon over thyme and a wonderful waft of dark liquorice. There is a lift of graphite on the nose with depth coming from dark rose petal and a hint of violet. Excellent depth and complexity while showing opulent fruit density. Rich and generous dark cherry fruit entry opening to an expansive and plush texture with layers of spice and subtle earthy notes. The tannin is enveloped in a silk cushion of fruit fullness and reassuring weight. This wine finishes with a fine beam of acidity which brings freshness and vibrance as well as an almost infinite length.
Akitu A2 Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with:
Serve slightly cool at 15–17°C.
Akitu A2 displays aromas of cherry, raspberry, plum and violets with hints of spice and forest floor. The palate is silky and fresh with fine tannins and an elegant mineral finish.
Akitu is produced near Wānaka in Central Otago on New Zealand’s South Island, one of the world’s most highly regarded cool-climate Pinot Noir regions.
Yes. While beautifully approachable when young, Akitu A2 will continue to develop greater savoury complexity and texture over the next 5–8 years when stored correctly.
The A1 (black label) is Akitu’s structured, cellar-worthy flagship – concentrated, tightly wound, and built for long ageing – while the A2 (white label) is the more generous, immediately approachable expression: bright, aromatic, and silky-fruited, offering exceptional value and enormous pleasure without the wait.
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