Folium Pinot Noir 2024

Soft Pinot Made by a Japanese Winemaker

Introducing the Pinot Noir, another flagship wine from "Folium" by Japanese winemaker Takeki Okada, alongside his Sauvignon Blanc.

Marlborough, where Mr. Okada is based, is, of course, a massive production area for Sauvignon Blanc.

With a cool climate and abundant sunshine perfectly suited for Sauvignon Blanc, it has become New Zealand's leading wine region. However, these climatic conditions are also extremely favorable for growing Pinot Noir.

While Central Otago and Martinborough are well-known Pinot Noir regions in NZ, Marlborough is actually the No. 1 region in terms of production volume.

It offers a diverse range of Pinot Noirs, from relatively affordable mass-produced wines to internationally acclaimed premium wines.

Amidst this, Folium's wines by Takeki Okada, like his Sauvignon Blanc, can be described as "small-batch production wines crafted with great care."

Committed to organic cultivation (BioGro certified), the grapevines are grown without irrigation, allowing their roots to spread deeply and absorb water and nutrients from deep within the soil.

The grapes, harvested by hand, are turned into wine using a minimalist winemaking approach. After aging for 11 months in French oak with 10% new oak, the wine is bottled and shipped. This is a rare wine, with an annual production of only about 3,000 bottles.

Tasting Notes

Let's do a tasting.

The color is ruby red, with a pale hue.

The aroma is dominated by red berries such as American cherry and raspberry. Nuances of herbs and damp earth are also present.

The taste is truly soft. There's a hint reminiscent of stewed stone fruits like plums, but the fruitiness is not overly emphasized. This is followed by spicy notes of cloves.

In the finish, there's also the earthy flavor detected initially. The acidity and tannins are not sharp, resulting in a balanced and elegant finish.

Pairing Examples

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

For example...

• Roasted duck breast (with red wine and berry sauce)
• Herb-crusted lamb cutlets
• Sweet and savory braised mushrooms and chicken
• Simmered beef and lotus root
• Aged Comté cheese

Please try pairing it with dishes like these.

About the Winery "Folium"

Folium Vineyard is an 8-hectare winery established in June 2010 in Brancott Valley, Marlborough, in the northeastern part of New Zealand's South Island.

Led by Japanese viticulturist and winemaker Takeki Okada, the winery focuses on producing Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir wines.

Marlborough's climate is ideal for cultivating high-quality Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The significant diurnal temperature variation during the growing season allows the grapes to retain high natural acidity while accumulating aromatic and flavorful compounds.

The winery's soil was formed by glacial movement and ancient rivers during the Ice Age. The clay-rich soil of Brancott Valley naturally moderates vine vigor. This soil retains sufficient moisture even in dry summers, helping to balance vine growth. Furthermore, by planting vines at a higher density compared to other vineyards in Marlborough, Folium achieves more concentrated and flavorful fruit production.

Environmental consideration is also highly valued, with the winery achieving organic certification from "Biogro" in 2014. A key feature is the practice of organic farming to maintain New Zealand's clean environment.

Mr. Okada states, "The shortest path to producing high-quality wine is to grow high-quality grapes." In the vineyard, meticulous yield control is practiced, and proper leaf management adjusts sun exposure. In autumn, fully ripe grapes are carefully hand-picked, reflecting a strong commitment to quality.

Folium Vineyard's philosophy is based on the belief that "winemaking begins in the vineyard." To maximize the individuality of the harvested grapes, human intervention during the winemaking process is kept to a minimum, striving to create wines that reflect the unique characteristics of Folium Vineyard's terroir.

This meticulous approach by the Japanese producer has successfully yielded wines of unique quality and character, leveraging the specific attributes of the Marlborough region.

Mr. Okada and our sommelier Iwasu

About the Marlborough Region

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

With abundant sunshine and significant diurnal temperature variations, it boasts natural conditions ideal for grape cultivation. Marlborough accounts for over 80% of NZ's wine production.

Among these, Sauvignon Blanc, characterized by its crisp acidity and overflowing fruitiness, dominates production and is widely loved worldwide for its unique character. For red wines, Pinot Noir, with its attractive rich berry flavors, is popular.

Folium Pinot Noir 2024