Elegance comes from Burgundy

Wine Background

"The grapes from this plot are such a waste," said Will and Rachel of Novum.

This is the first cuvée that was made by hand from grapes from an excellent block in our own vineyard , which we had previously supplied to partner wineries. We limit the vineyards to heavy clay loam soils and densely planted vines over 30 years old in the Southern Valleys of southern Marlborough. Dry farming (no irrigation) produces small, concentrated fruit.

Fermented with wild yeast and aged for 10 months in 25% new French oak barrels. They used a Pinot Noir-specific destemmer to make the most of the whole grape, demonstrating their craftsmanship to the fullest.

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One day episode

When we visited Will and Rachel from Novum at their home, Will said , "Let's do a blind tasting of Pinot Noir!" and took a bottle out of the cellar and placed it on the dining table.

The tasting began with a lively quiz format: "Is this New World or Old World?"

The result was a first-class vineyard from a domaine in Burgundy! (I was completely wrong...lol)

Will actually has an enormous collection of Burgundy Pinot Noir , and he compares his wines to it every day, searching for hints on how to improve the quality of the wines .

"I see, so that's why Novum's Pinot is not like Marlboro." At that moment, I was deeply convinced.

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Aroma and taste characteristics

Marlborough Pinot Noir is known for its bright fruit flavors (cherry and raspberry) and is generally light and suitable for drinking somewhat quickly.

In contrast, Novum Pinot has a bright and transparent ruby color , but its flavor is characterized by its depth and richness .

• Aroma: Layers of violets , rose petals, wild blackberries , cloves and cocoa , giving it a rich yet elegant flavor.
• Taste: Earthy and spicy nuances at the core, with fine and slightly dusty tannins .
• It has a solid structure and can be enjoyed now, but I sense that it has the potential to become even more complex with a few years of aging .

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Food pairing

It pairs perfectly with dishes that resonate with spices and earthy elements.

• Roasted duck with red wine and cinnamon sauce → The rich flavor and spicy aftertaste blend together to create a perfect harmony between the food and wine.
• Grilled mackerel with Japanese pepper → The spiciness of the Japanese pepper and the earthy flavor of the wine are in perfect harmony.
• Beef tendon stewed in red wine and herbs → The richness of the herbs and stew matches the spice and body of the wine.

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A Pinot that is more than just light

Novum Pinot Noir is a Pinot that is "not typical of Marlborough." That is to say, it is not only light, but also has the depth of the soil and careful craftsmanship of the wine .

Behind the bright fruitiness, you can see glimpses of earthiness, spice and even the potential for aging .

This wine clearly reflects the producer's love for Pinot Noir.

About the winery "Novum Wines"

Novum Wines is a family-run boutique winery that was founded in 2016 in Marlborough, a famous wine-producing region on New Zealand's South Island. Founder Will Hoare is the son of a grape farmer who was born and raised in Marlborough. After gaining experience at Cloudy Bay and Frome, he went independent with his wife Rachel. With the desire to "use only the best grapes and deliver honest wines," they began making small quantities of high-quality wines.

We select only "special plots" from our own fields and those of trusted growers.

Novum sources grapes from its own family vineyards, as well as from the vineyards of trusted growers with whom it has long-standing relationships. However, it does not purchase the entire vineyard, but only the "highest quality small plots" from within it. It carefully considers the soil, the slope, the microclimate, etc., and selects only the spots that will enhance the concentration of the grapes, such as "several rows on the eastern side of the slope" or "rocky, well-drained depressions." This selection of plots is Novum's greatest commitment.

Minimal intervention and natural yeast. Making grapes to achieve their "ideal state".

The brewing process is as simple as possible. It is based on natural fermentation using wild yeasts and is unclarified and unfiltered, bringing out the natural characteristics of the fruit. French oak is used for aging, The use of barrels is very sparing.

The world is paying attention to Marlboro's "next standard"

World-renowned wine critics such as Jancis Robinson, Bob Campbell and Cameron Douglas have given high scores to their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, calling them "the embodiment of the future of Marlborough." Although it is a small winery, its presence continues to grow year by year.

Sustainability is a "result" -- without pretense, honestly

Novum practices organic farming and high-density planting, and all grapes used come from fields that are certified sustainable. However, they do not boast excessively, and instead maintain the stance that "if you try to get good grapes, it will ultimately be good for the environment." Novum is a winery that speaks through its actions.

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 more than 80% of New Zealand's wine is produced there.

Among them, Sauvignon Blanc, characterized by its crisp acidity and overflowing fruitiness, is produced in overwhelming quantities and is loved worldwide for its unique character. In addition, Pinot Noir, with its rich berry fruit flavor, is also popular among red wines.

Novum Pinot Noir New Zealand 2023

item	Content
Winery Name	Novum
Country of Origin	new zealand
Origin	Marlborough Southern Valley
kinds	red
Grape variety	Pinot Noir
Vintage	2023
Alcohol content	13.5%
capacity	750ml
remarks	Screw Cap