Natural Wine Trilogy
There are many producers in New Zealand who make wine in "sustainable" environments, but there are very few producers of the so-called "natural wines" that are popular in Japan.
In the midst of all this, the "biodynamic farming method" that follows strict rules Mahi is a representative example of a producer that grows grapes in this region .
This three-bottle set features a selection of Mahi's signature wines. All of them are natural wines with complex flavors.
About the Winery "Mahi"
Mahi is one of the wineries that I, Iwasu, visited and realized how wonderful the wines are made.
Owner Brian Bicknell made wine in Hungary, Italy, France and Chile before returning to New Zealand to start his own winery.
"Mahi" means "work," "handmade," or "craft" in Maori. As the name suggests, these are products that are the result of his honest handiwork. Each wine has a "complex flavor" that is different from other Marlborough wines.
Mahi grapes are grown using biodynamic farming methods, which are still rare in New Zealand.
For fermentation, wild yeast is used to reflect the characteristics of the land, but this yeast is difficult to control during fermentation.
When we visited, Brian Bicknell was monitoring the tank temperature via computer, checking the progress of fermentation, and helping the fermentation process by adding paddles, etc.
What was also impressive was the young people working at the winery who had come from all over the world. They were fascinated by Brian Bicknell's wines and had traveled all the way to New Zealand to help with the farm work and winemaking, while also learning about the techniques and ways of thinking about wine.
Perhaps one day we will be able to enjoy wine made by Mahi graduates in Japan.
①Mahi Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022
If you've experienced the quintessential Marlborough experience, this wine is the next step.
The fresh aroma characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc is combined with elements of barrels and wild yeast to create a complex flavor.
This wine has a pleasant citrus aroma at its core, but also has a strong presence of white flowers, herbs and spices.
It's a wine with a strong flavor and will leave you very satisfied with just one sip.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Winery Name | Paralysis |
| Country of Origin | new zealand |
| Origin | Marlborough |
| kinds | white |
| Grape variety | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Alcohol content | 13.0–14.0% |
| capacity | 750ml |
| remarks | Screw Cap |
②Mahi Marlborough Chardonnay 2018
Chardonnay is a variety that directly reflects the producer's thinking because of its simple base flavor.
The appeal of Mahi's Chardonnay is its "complex flavor" created by wild yeast and oak barrels.
The aroma is a mix of fresh fruit and roasted nutty notes. In the mouth, you can feel the pleasant acidity of the fruit and the creamy, mellow texture.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Winery Name | Paralysis |
| Country of Origin | new zealand |
| Origin | Marlborough |
| kinds | white |
| Grape variety | Chardonnay |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Alcohol content | 13.5% |
| capacity | 750ml |
| remarks | Screw Cap |
③Mahi Marlborough Pinot Noir 2019
This is a Pinot Noir with a natural and complex flavor!
The 2018 vintage is much gentler than the previous year. It has not only red berry flavors, but also aromas of cloves and licorice, and the flavor has a good depth.
The harmony between the fruity flavor and the subtle, soft umami taste behind it is magnificent.
The wine's character changes depending on the degree of oxidation, so I think you can enjoy the changes for at least three days after opening.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Winery Name | Paralysis |
| Country of Origin | new zealand |
| Origin | Marlborough |
| kinds | red |
| Grape variety | Pinot Noir |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Alcohol content | 13.0% |
| capacity | 750ml |
| remarks | Screw Cap |
