Garde & Morris Marlborough Pinot Noir 2023

Fruity & Earthy, a Superb Balance

A Deeply Flavorful Pinot Noir We Searched For and Found

This brand is exclusively available at Bokumo Wine!

Sommelier Iwausu spent half a month traveling through eight wine regions in New Zealand in search of a wine that possessed both independent character and compatibility with Japanese cuisine.

It was during this journey that he discovered Gardo & Morris. He found a winery that, while strongly reflecting the characteristics of its region, also produces wines that are approachable for Japanese people and pair well with Japanese dishes.

This Pinot is precisely the taste we were looking for. Made from grapes harvested from high-grade slopes rather than the flatlands of Marlborough, it boasts a deep and rich flavor. The lightness typical of Pinot Noir evokes the warmth of the New Zealand sun, while its earthy depth offers an excellent balance. Yes, it's approachable yet deeply flavorful. This type of wine naturally fits in with Japanese dining tables.

Cultivation and Winemaking

Grapes are harvested from multiple vineyards in Awatere Valley and Southern Valleys during the cool night hours. The soil is a mix of clay and silt, and yields are kept low at 3-4 tons per acre. In 2023, a dry summer and warm March-April resulted in small, concentrated berries.

After harvest, the grapes are gently crushed and undergo cold maceration in small open-top fermenters before fermenting with indigenous yeasts. Manual punch-downs continue, and the wine ferments on the skins for 4-5 weeks. The wine is then drawn off by gravity, and the skins are gently pressed. It ages for approximately 12 months in French oak barrels (20% new oak), with malolactic fermentation occurring in the barrel to soften acidity and enhance complexity. A light egg white fining is performed, and the wine is bottled unfiltered, meticulously crafted using traditional Burgundy methods.

Tasting Notes

The aroma features blackberry, raspberry, dark cherry, delicate wild strawberry, along with hints of almond and spice.

The palate combines bright fruitiness with earthy notes and a soft, butterscotch-like sweetness, offering both the lively character and depth typical of Pinot Noir.

The mouthfeel is smooth. The gentle acidity brings everything together, creating a light and easy drinking experience. It's a style that harmonizes a bright impression with underlying depth.

Pairing Suggestions

Excellent with red meat, duck, and lamb. Also pairs well with:

• Seared bonito (Katsuobushi no Tataki)
• Teriyaki chicken
• Chicken thighs simmered with ume (Japanese plum)
• Penne with beef and mushroom in tomato sauce

At around 16℃, the balance of fruit and acidity will be even more pronounced.

Customer Feedback

Here's what customers at Bokumo's counter said about this wine:

• "The balance of flavors is simply excellent."
• "It has both strong fruitiness and earthy notes."
• "It's a bright-sounding Pinot. It goes incredibly well with lamb chops!"
• "It's so easy to drink. If it disappears quickly, that means it's a fantastic wine, haha."

"It has a smooth, light side, but also real depth. It sits perfectly between the cheerfulness of a New Zealand Pinot and the calmness of a Burgundy." We hope you enjoy this wine's sense of balance.

About the Winery "Gardo & Morris"

A family-run boutique winery operated by husband and wife Ben Morris and Frida Gardo. They have a unique system of winemaking based in both New Zealand and Sweden. Their handcrafted wines are highly acclaimed in high-end restaurants and state-owned liquor stores in Sweden.

Background and History of the Founding

Winemaker Ben Morris, born in New Zealand, studied organic winemaking at Lincoln University. After graduating, he gained experience as a "flying winemaker" in France, California, and other regions before moving to Sweden with his wife Frida in 2006 and launching his own brand.

Frida, originally from Sweden, leads sales and distribution in the Swedish market. The winery name "Gardo" comes from her surname, representing their partnership.

Cultivation and Winemaking Philosophy

In cultivation, they partner with excellent small-scale grape growers across New Zealand, growing grapes using a natural approach that minimizes pesticides and chemicals.

In winemaking, they aim for a natural style with minimal human intervention to maximize the expression of terroir and grape varietal characteristics.

Sustainability and Cultural Background

Environmental consideration and sustainable production are key principles for Gardo & Morris.

They strictly adhere to organic farming practices and eliminate unnecessary additives in winemaking, reducing environmental impact while producing high-quality wines.

This winery, founded by Ben from New Zealand and Frida from Sweden, truly acts as a bridge between the two countries.

Their wines, which fuse the best aspects of both cultures, harmonize beautifully with traditional Swedish cuisine and are highly praised by local restaurants.

About Marlborough Region

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

With abundant sunshine and large diurnal temperature variations, it has ideal natural conditions for grape growing, producing over 80% of NZ's wine.

Among these, Sauvignon Blanc, characterized by its crisp acidity and overflowing fruitiness, boasts overwhelming production volume and is widely loved globally as a unique character. For red wines, Pinot Noir, with its attractive rich berry fruit flavors, is popular.

Gardo & Morris Marlborough Pinot Noir 2023