A soft Pino made by a Japanese person

We would like to introduce you to Pinot Noir, another signature wine alongside Sauvignon Blanc, from Folium, produced by Japanese winemaker Takeki Okada.

Marlborough , where Okada is based, is a well-known major producer of Sauvignon Blanc.

The cool, sunny climate is perfect for Sauvignon Blanc, making it New Zealand's leading wine producing region, but the climate conditions are also very favorable for growing Pinot Noir .

When it comes to Pinot producing regions in New Zealand, Central Otago and Martinborough are famous, but in terms of harvest volume, Marlborough is the No. 1 producing region.

We offer a wide variety of Pinot Noir, from mass-produced, relatively reasonably priced wines to premium wines that are internationally acclaimed.

In this context, Takeki Okada's Folium can be positioned as a wine that is produced in small quantities and with great care , just like Sauvignon Blanc.

The vines are grown organically (BioGro certified) and without irrigation, with their roots spreading out widely and absorbing moisture and nutrients from deep within the earth.

The grapes are hand-picked and brewed using minimal manual labor. The wine is aged for 11 months in French oak barrels, 10% of which are new, before being bottled and shipped.

Annual production is only about 3,000 bottles.

According to the data, the 2022 vintage that has just arrived has been influenced by relatively heavy rainfall, resulting in a concentrated yet elegant finish.

Now let's try tasting it.

The color is ruby red , a pale shade.

The aroma is dominated by red berries such as American cherry and raspberry , with hints of herbs and damp earth .

The taste is very soft. There is a nuance reminiscent of plum and other stone fruit compote , but the fruitiness is not particularly emphasized . The spices such as cloves come later.

The aftertaste also has an earthy flavor that you first smell. It is not too acidic or bitter, but has a well-balanced and elegant finish .

This type of balanced, soft Pinot Noir pairs well with a wide range of dishes.

for example···

• Prosciutto, mushroom and root vegetable salad
• Teriyaki Yellowtail with Ginger
• Yakitori Negima (with sauce) Grilled Shiitake Mushroom (with sauce)
• Mozzarella and tuna pasta with tomato sauce

Try pairing it with a menu like this.

About the Winery "Folium"

Folium Vineyards is an 8-hectare winery established in June 2010 in the Brancott Valley of the Marlborough region in the northeast of New Zealand's South Island.

Japanese winemaker and brewer Takeki Okada is in charge of producing Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir wines.

Marlborough's climate is ideal for growing fine Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir: the large temperature difference between day and night during the growing season allows the grapes to accumulate aromatic and flavour compounds whilst retaining high natural acidity.

The soil of the winery was formed by the movement of glaciers and ancient rivers during the Ice Age. The clay-rich soil of the Brancott Valley has the characteristic of moderately suppressing grape growth. This soil retains enough moisture even in dry summers, allowing the grapes to grow in balance. In addition, by planting seedlings at a higher density than other fields in the Marlborough region, we have been able to produce more concentrated and flavorful fruit.

They also place great importance on environmental considerations, and were certified by the organic farming certification organization "Biogro" in 2014. They practice organic farming methods to maintain New Zealand's clean environment.

Okada says, "The fastest way to make high-quality wine is to grow high-quality grapes." In the fields, they strictly limit yields and properly manage the leaves to adjust the amount of sunlight they receive. In the fall, they carefully hand-harvest all the fully ripe fruit.

Folium Vineyards' philosophy is based on the belief that winemaking begins in the vineyard. In order to maximize the individuality of the grapes harvested, we strive to produce wines that reflect the unique characteristics of Folium Vineyards' land by minimizing human intervention during the winemaking process.

This Japanese producer's careful approach has enabled him to take advantage of the characteristics of the Marlborough land and produce wines of unique quality and character.

About Marlborough

Marlborough is the heart of New Zealand's wine region.

Marlborough has ideal natural conditions for grape growing, such as abundant sunshine and large temperature differences throughout the day, and more than 80% of New Zealand's wine is produced there.

Among them, Sauvignon Blanc, characterized by its crisp acidity and overflowing fruitiness, is produced in overwhelming quantities and is loved worldwide for its unique character. In addition, Pinot Noir, with its rich berry fruit flavor, is also popular among red wines.

Folium Pinot Noir 2023

item	Content
Winery Name	Folium
Country of Origin	new zealand
Origin	Marlborough
kinds	red
Grape variety	Pinot Noir
Vintage	2023
Alcohol content	13.0%
capacity	750ml
remarks	Screw Cap