Mohua Pinot Noir 2018

A pure taste of Central Otago

First, let me introduce you to the birds of New Zealand.

When you think of New Zealand's bird, the first thing that comes to mind is the kiwi. It is the national bird of New Zealand and is often used as the country's symbol.

In addition to the kiwi, New Zealand is said to have over 60 species of endemic wild birds.

Among them, here is a wild bird known for its bright yellow coloring.

Mohua, also known as Yellowhead.

The Mohua is known for its high-pitched cry and was once called the "bush canary."

They live mainly on the South Island of New Zealand, but their numbers have drastically decreased due to the appearance of natural enemies such as goats, rats, and stoats, and they are now at risk of extinction.

Concerned about this situation, a volunteer group in New Zealand called Wingspan National Birds of Prey Centre is working to improve the living environment for wild birds such as Mohua.

The activity is supported by Peregrine, a premium winery based in Central Otago.

Yes, let's talk about wine.

One of Peregrine's in-house brands, created in 2009, is Mohua Wines, named after a rare wild bird.

A portion of the sales from Mohua Wines will be used to protect the Mohua (wild bird).

In Japan, it might be easier to imagine it as naming a sake produced in Niigata "Toki no Sake" (Crested Ibis Sake) and using a portion of the sales to help protect the Japanese crested ibis.

Mohua Wines is Peregrine's second label, but there is no doubt about its quality.

This Pinot Noir is a balanced mix of grapes from multiple sub-regions of Central Otago, creating a style that is typical of Otago, combining fruitiness and elegance.

This wine, based on the motif of a mohua (yellowhead) bird with its wings spread, is a rare creation that contributes to nature conservation while still delivering a taste that is truly New Zealand.

Please try it once.

Examples of pairings include bonito, tuna, or duck meat, all of which go much better with oil and soy sauce.

When it comes to cheese, white mold cheeses such as Brie and Camembert go well with it.

About Mohua Wines

Mohua Wines, run by the McLachlan family, has been producing sustainable wines in Central Otago, one of the Southern Hemisphere's finest wine regions, since 2009.

Source: Mohua Wines

As well as producing fantastic wines, they are also committed to protecting the beautiful, endangered Mohua bird, native to New Zealand, by providing financial support as well as backing relocation and conservation programmes.

About the Winery "Peregrine"

Source: Peregirine Wines

Peregrine is an organic winery in Central Otago.

The vines are not given synthetic fertilizers, but instead compost made from surrounding materials, including grape pomace and manure from animals grazing on the property, which improves the vines' drought tolerance, increases root area, and enhances the soil's influence on fruit flavor.

The vineyards are located in three sub-regions: Bendigo, Gibbston and Pisa, and each produces wine that takes advantage of its own unique characteristics.

The winery's name comes from the Maori word for falcon (Karearea), which is also used in its logo. The stylish design represents the winery's distinctive character.

It also has an architecturally stunning cellar door that attracts visitors.

Source: Peregirine Wines

We also carry out various conservation activities, and in partnership with the New Zealand Department of Conservation, we contribute both financially and practically to the protection of New Zealand's native bird species.

About Central Otago

Central Otago, the southernmost region in the country, is known as a famous producer of Pinot Noir and is known as one of the world's three major Pinot Noir producing regions, along with Burgundy and Oregon.

In addition to Pinot Noir, the region is also focusing on the cultivation of aromatic white grapes. This region is the only one of New Zealand's wine-producing regions with a semi-continental climate, characterized by large daily temperature differences, coolness, and extreme dryness.

The region is also home to a treasure trove of small wineries, and winery tours based in the scenic town of Queenstown are popular.

Mohua Pinot Noir 2018