Akitu A2 Pinot Noir, Central Otago

£30.75

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Description

Akitu A2 Pinot Noir is a fantastic red wine made in the Central Otago wine-growing region of New Zealand’s South Island. The estate is named Akitu meaning “Apex” in the Maori language and Donaldson’s vision was to produce just the very best Pinot Noir. For many years there were only two red wines produced, Akitu A1 and A2, but these have recently been joined by a Pinot Noir Blanc (white wine made from red grapes, or Blancs de Noir).

Akitu was establishd in 2001 by Central Otago native Andrew Donaldson. It is a relatively small estate consisting of just 12 hectares in the heart of Central Otago’s Upper Clutha basin. 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 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. This combined with a semi-continental climate with high sunshine hours, long summers and temperate autumns helps produce wines with great purity and complexity.

For the Akitu A2 Pinot Noir, 35% of the fruit was whole bunch pressed with the balance pressed as whole berry. Ageing took place in French oak, 7% of which was new. The harvest for Akitu ‘A2’ commenced on 12th April and was completed by 16th April 2019. Bottling took place on 19th  March 2020. The 2019 ‘A2’ is made up from 45% 777, 32% 115 and 23% 667.

Winemaker is PJ Charteris.

Tasting Notes

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.

Food Pairing

Try with Peking Duck Pancakes, BBQ Duck, Panang Duck curry, Duck a l’Orange or Confit Duck.

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