Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Growing Region: Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand

Chief Winemaker: Matt Connell

TASTING NOTE:
Central Otago, as a viticultural region, has rapidly gained international customer and media interest for producing dynamic Pinot Noir wines. The vines at Akarua were first planted in 1996 and further vineyard development has progressed in the intervening years. Over time as vine age increased along with knowledge of their individual vineyard sites, quality has been on the rise across all varieties and styles of wine - this Rose is no exception.

After careful harvesting, the grapes underwent a pre-ferment maceration: i.e. a cold soak for 5 days. Fermentation took place at a cool temperature of less than 13C, which has resulted in a fresh and lively rose wine.

In the glass you are greeted as a light strawberry crush colour. On the nose you will find lifted strawberry characters with hints of passion fruit. The palate is vibrant with juicy red fruits and a lively mouth feel, giving the wine a good length to the finish. As with the best Roses from around the world - this wine has been made to be enjoyed as a young wine - chill and serve at 8C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this coming summer; and well into 2012.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with shellfish, prawn or salmon salad, and fresh strawberry desserts, enjoy.

Strawberries with alcohol in a glass.