An extraordinarily rich and luxurious Pinot from a small village

When you visit Martinborough, you'll be surprised at how small the area is.

It takes less than 30 minutes to go around the whole area by car.

Although the region has gained considerable renown among the world's leading Pinot Noir producing regions, it is actually very compact.

Martinborough is said to be the New Zealand region with grape growing conditions most similar to Burgundy. Located in the vast land of Wairarapa, there are about 30 small wineries that have come together with the belief that "this is where we can produce good Pinot."

With little annual rainfall, windy springs and a long, warm ripening period in the fall, the region has all the conditions necessary to produce the finest Pinot Noir.

After visiting this cute wine village, I realized that Pinot Noir is not a variety that can be grown anywhere, but rather a variety that shows its true potential under limited conditions .

---

Martinborough Vineyards was one of the earliest producers to plant Pinot Noir in the area.

Founded in 1980, it is now the oldest winery with Pinot Noir vines not only in Martinborough but in all of New Zealand .

And this "Home Block Pinot Noir" can be said to be Martinborough Vineyard's masterpiece.

It is made from grapes hand-picked from the oldest Pinot Noir blocks on the Martinborough Terrace, a terraced area known for its unique location.

The construction is very careful.

100% destemmed grapes are transferred to small open-top fermentation tanks. After cold soaking, they are fermented with natural yeasts. They are gently stirred by hand every day during fermentation. After spending an average of 18 days on the skins, they are pressed.

The wine is then aged for 12 months in French oak barrels (23% new) and is not clarified before bottling.

---

Now, pour it into a glass...

It is clearly black. At first glance, it is so rich in color that it is hard to believe it is Pinot Noir .

The aroma is also powerful, with rich fruity notes of dark cherry and dark plum, layered with hints of spice and delicate floral notes.

When you put it in your mouth, you'll be surprised at how rich it is.

Soft and juicy. Dark red fruit flavors like stewed fruit, with a strong spiciness. Rich but smooth tannins. A very beautiful and long-lasting finish.

Wow, the concentration is incredible ! This wine is powerful and sophisticated, both in its fullness.

Although not in the typically elegant style of Burgundy, I feel this is a beautiful example of New World Pinot .

What food goes well with it...

Grilled lamb chops (with rosemary flavor), beef cheeks stewed in red wine sauce, beef steak, charcoal-grilled duck, and other meat dishes with a strong umami flavor are recommended. Cheeses such as Epoisses and Taleggio are also recommended.

About the winery "Martinborough Vineyards"

Martinborough Vineyards was established in 1980. In the early 1980s it became one of the region's leading wineries and played a key role in establishing Pinot Noir as the region's signature variety.

The impetus for the establishment of the region was the results of research by soil scientist Dr. Derek Milne, who in the late 1970s scientifically demonstrated that the region's climate and soil were similar to those of Burgundy in France, which helped to promote its development as a wine-growing region.

The winery is home to New Zealand's oldest Pinot Noir vineyards and is committed to environmental conservation. Under the direction of Chief Winemaker Tom Turner, the winery's wines have consistently won acclaim.

The people behind winemaking

Martinborough Vineyards' high quality is driven by experienced talent and their shared vision. Chief Winemaker Tom Turner took up the position in 2024 and practices a "hands-off" winemaking style, drawing on his experience in renowned wine regions around the world.

Winemaker and vineyard manager Dave Shepherd also strongly recognizes the importance of the vineyards, and works every day with the belief that "great wine begins in the vineyard."

Awards

Martinborough Vineyards has earned acclaim from wine critics both at home and abroad for its artisanal winemaking and commitment to quality.

Home Block Chardonnay

• In 2015, it was selected as "Best Chardonnay Outside Burgundy" by Stephen Brook of Decanter Magazine.

Home Block Pinot Noir

• Stephen Wong MW (The Real Review 2023) praised this wine for its "deep, serious purple fruit flavors, roasted cocoa-like flavors, and smoky wood notes," and predicted that it is "destined to blossom and gain more dignity over the next 10 years or more."

• Rated 94 points by Bob Campbell MW (The Real Review 2023).

• Winner of Gold at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2022.

Home Block Sauvignon Blanc

• Winner of Gold at the New Zealand International Wine Show 2022.

Te Tera Sauvignon Blanc

• Bob Campbell MW (The Real Review) described it as "a bright, fresh and punchy Sauvignon."

Te Tera Pinot Gris

• Bob Campbell MW (The Real Review) describes it as a "vibrant, peppery Pinot Gris."

Te Tera Pinot Noir

• Winner of Gold at the National Wine Awards of Aotearoa 2022.

• Earned 91 points in the James Suckling Tasting Report 2022.

• Rated "outstanding" by Mark Henderson (Otago Daily Times 2023).

Marie Zelie Reserve Pinot Noir

• A rare and highly coveted premium wine, produced in extremely limited quantities only in exceptional vintages.

The existence of this winery has made a major contribution to the Martinborough region becoming known as a world-class Pinot Noir producing region.

Martinborough Vineyard terroir

Martinborough's terroir combines an ideal combination of cool climate and well-drained gravelly soils - characteristics often compared to Burgundy - making it ideal for growing cool climate grape varieties.

The "Home Block" was the first vineyard planted in 1980 and is still home to the oldest Pinot Noir vines in New Zealand. The grapes are hand-picked and vinified using Burgundy techniques.

Contributing to environmental conservation and sustainability

Martinborough Vineyards is run with a focus on environmental friendliness and sustainability and is a certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ).

We are implementing various environmental measures, such as the introduction of solar power generation, wastewater recycling, reducing CO2 emissions during transportation, preserving ecosystems, etc. These efforts are systematically promoted as part of the corporate philosophy of our parent company, Foley Family Wines.

Martinborough Vineyard Te Tera Pinot Noir 2021 Pinot Noir 2021

item	Content
Winery Name	Martinborough Vineyards
Country of Origin	new zealand
Origin	Wairarapa/Martinborough
kinds	red
Grape variety	Pinot Noir
Vintage	2021
Alcohol content	14.0 %
capacity	750ml
remarks	Screw Cap