A soft Pinot made by a Japanese person

We would like to introduce Pinot Noir, another signature wine alongside Sauvignon Blanc, from Folium, created 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 weather 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 wines at relatively reasonable prices to premium wines that have earned international acclaim.

In this context, Takeki Okada's Folium can be said to be positioned as a "small-batch wine that is produced with great care and effort," just like Sauvignon Blanc.

The vines are grown organically (BioGro certified) and without irrigation, with their roots spreading out deeply and absorbing water and nutrients from deep underground.

The hand-harvested grapes are brewed using minimal human intervention. The wine is aged for 11 months in French oak barrels, 10% of which are new, before being bottled and shipped. This is a rare wine, with only around 3,000 bottles produced per year.

Tasting Comments

Now let's try tasting it.

The color is a pale ruby ​​red .

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 are nuances reminiscent of plum and other stone fruit compote , but the fruitiness is not particularly pronounced . The spice notes of cloves and other spices come through later.

The aftertaste also has the earthy flavor that you first smell. There is no sharp acidity or astringency, resulting in a well-balanced and elegant finish .

Pairing example

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 breadcrumbed lamb
• Sweet and spicy mushroom and chicken stew
• Beef and lotus root stew
• Matured Comte

Try pairing it with a menu like this.

About the Folium Winery

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

The winery is led by Japanese grower and brewer Takeki Okada, and is engaged in the production of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir wines.

Marlborough's climate is ideal for growing fine Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, with large day-night temperature differences during the growing season allowing the grapes to accumulate aromatic and flavour compounds whilst maintaining high natural acidity.

The winery's soil was formed by the movement of glaciers and ancient rivers during the Ice Age. The Brancott Valley's clay-rich soil provides just the right amount of restraint for grape growing. The soil retains sufficient moisture even in dry summers, allowing the grapes to grow in balance. Furthermore, the vines are planted at a higher density than in other Marlborough vineyards, resulting in the production of more concentrated, flavorful fruit.

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

Okada says, "The quickest way to make high-quality wine is to grow high-quality grapes." He strictly limits yields in the fields and adjusts the amount of sunlight by properly managing the leaves. In the fall, he is particular about carefully hand-picking all the fully ripe fruit.

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

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

Okada and our sommelier Iwasu

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 produces over 80% of New Zealand's wine.

Among them, Sauvignon Blanc, characterized by its crisp acidity and overflowing fruitiness, boasts an overwhelming production volume and is loved worldwide for its unique character. In red wine, Pinot Noir, with its rich berry fruit flavor, is also popular.

Folium Pinot Noir 2023

item	Content
Winery Name	Folium
Country of origin	new zealand
Origin	Marlborough
kinds	red
Grape varieties	Pinot Noir
Vintage	2023
Alcohol content	13.0%
capacity	750ml
remarks	screw cap