A rich, full-bodied red from Canterbury

New Zealand does not have many dark red wines.

That is an undeniable fact.

The climate throughout the country is cool, with few places experiencing summer temperatures exceeding 30°C. In Marlborough, a major wine-producing region that produces three-quarters of the country's wine, most red wine is Pinot Noir, which has a gentle flavor.

Full-bodied Bordeaux varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are produced mainly in the relatively warm North Island, and most of the Bordeaux-blend New Zealand wines imported to Japan come from Hawke's Bay on the North Island or near Auckland.

It was common knowledge in the New Zealand wine world that it was difficult to grow Merlot and Cabernet grapes in the South Island.

But this wine completely overturns that.

The prestigious Pegasus Bay produces a wonderful full-bodied Bordeaux blend in North Canterbury/Waipara, near Christchurch on the South Island.

The other day, when Edward Donaldson, the marketing manager and member of the founding family of Pegasus Bay, visited my restaurant, Bokumo, I asked him, "Why is Pegasus Bay so successful in growing Bordeaux grape varieties?"

He then generously shared his secret with me.

He said...

"The biggest thing is that we use the Scott Henry method, which was invented by an American grower in the 1970s.

This method involves training four branches along a wire, dividing them into two tiers, one above the other, to bear grapes. This method requires a lot of work, including pruning and leaf removal, but it produces grapes with an extremely concentrated flavor.

Additionally, North Canterbury has very long autumns, so this training method allows late-ripening grape varieties like Merlot and Cabernet to fully ripen."

I see. You work in the fields in ways that other wineries don't. You put in a lot of effort and ingenuity. And you make the most of the length of autumn. That's how you can make a rich red wine even in a cool region.

The varietals are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

The grapes are 30 years old . Fermented with natural yeast , the wine is aged for 18 months in 80% old and 20% new barrels before bottling.

Now, let's try tasting Pegasus Bay Merlot Cabernet, which is packed with the pinnacle of technology.

The color is intense: a deep crimson red with purple hues .

The aroma is fruity, with blackberry and American cherry notes , and also has a smoky nuance .

On the palate, it's incredibly complex, with dark fruit notes on the nose, complemented by hints of leather , tobacco leaf , mint , and aniseed spice.

Extremely voluminous, its power creates a long finish. It can truly be described as a classic Bordeaux-style red wine.

• Beef fillet steak (with mushrooms)
• Boeuf Bourguignon (beef stewed in red wine)
• Roast duck
• Sausage cassoulet
• Rich cheese (Comté, Epoisses, etc.)

Paired with a meal like this, dinnertime will be heavenly.

About Pegasus Bay Winery

Pegasus Bay is a winery that represents Waipara, a wine region in the Canterbury region.

Founded in 1986 by neurologist, wine writer, and wine judge Ivan Donaldson, he initially started the winery with his wife Christine, but now the winery is run by the entire family, including their sons.

Waipara's dry autumns, with large daily temperature differences, allow for a very long ripening period for the grapes, resulting in concentrated grapes with just the right amount of acidity. Pegasus Bay has taken advantage of this favourable climatic condition to build a reputation as a premium winery for Riesling and Pinot Noir.

Although they are a family-run business, the distinctive wines they produce have received high praise from around the world, and they have been selected as one of the top five wineries in New Zealand by renowned wine critic Robert Parker Jr.

Pegasus Bay is also certified by the New Zealand Winegrowers Sustainable Viticulture Program.

They cultivate grapes using the most natural methods possible, without using unnecessary pesticides or herbicides, and employ many staff members to perform the meticulous manual work, ensuring high-quality cultivation management.

About the Canterbury/Waipara region

Canterbury/Waipara is located on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island and is characterized by a cool, dry climate.

North Canterbury, which is the country's largest plain, is also one of the world's leading lamb producing regions, and the wineries scattered throughout the region offer a wide variety of wines.

Waipara, which can be reached on a day trip from Christchurch, produces premium wines such as Riesling and Pinot Noir and is a popular tourist destination.

Pegasus Bay Merlot Cabernet 2021 2021)

item	Content
Winery Name	Pegasus Bay
Country of origin	new zealand
Origin	Waipara Valley
kinds	red
Grape varieties	Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Vintage	2021
Alcohol content	13.5%
capacity	750ml
others	Sustainable Certification
remarks	screw cap