Roots Rosso Pinot Noir Gin

A groundbreaking gin blended with Pinot Noir

"Rosso" is "red." As the name suggests, it is a gin made with Pinot Noir from Marlborough .

Normally, after distillation, water is added to adjust the alcohol content of gin, but in this Rosso, Marlborough red wine (Pinot Noir) is added instead of water. It's not water, it's Pinot Noir ! This is a very rare production method, even on a global scale.

"When you think of New Zealand, you think of wine. Pinot Noir is a must."

This is a challenging piece born from Ben's idea.

The first thing you notice is the refreshing juniper aroma typical of gin, followed by the berry notes from Pinot Noir. The astringency is mild, and the fruit nuances are softly layered. The color is also very beautiful. The mouthfeel is dry and not sweet.

It is well-balanced and easy to pair with food, and can be enjoyed after a meal.

botanical

Juniper (wild-harvested), Grapefruit "Golden Special", Coriander Seed, Motueka Hops (organic), Kawakawa Berries (wild-harvested), Gorse Flowers (wild-harvested), Angelica Root, Orris Root

Approximately 25% New Zealand Pinot Noir blend

Expressing New Zealand through gin

In Marlborough, known as a huge wine-producing region, a new gin distillery, Elemental Distillers , and its attached restaurant are now popular spots among locals.

I visited the distillery this year and saw that the compact yet functional facility was spotless and well-maintained, suggesting the high quality of the products they produce.

When I went around to the back of the facility, I saw a number of compost piles lined up. They insist on using only New Zealand botanicals (plant-based ingredients), and when they're finished using the botanicals, they turn them into compost and sell it.

It was clear to see that "recycling" and "local production for local consumption" are not just slogans, but are something that you put into practice very seriously.

The owner of this place, Ben Leggett , who is showing us the juniper berries, was born and raised in Marlborough.

Although he comes from a city steeped in wine, it was the world of spirits that he fell in love with. After building up a reputation as a bartender in the UK, he obtained WSET Spirits Level 3 (currently the highest level in spirits) and became the only gin teacher in New Zealand . He is an extremely hard worker.

His belief is that

"All ingredients are fully traceable to where, by whom and how they were grown."

He works closely with growers who know the plants best, harvesting them at the best time of year. This is his pride and joy , "ROOTS."

He says that the distillery's goal is to take craft gin from "a drink that plays around with the combination of various ingredients" to the next level - "an expression of New Zealand through gin."

The distillery's seriousness is also evident in its attached tasting room and restaurant , "The Gin Shack," which serves Asian-inspired dishes made with plenty of spices, perfectly paired with the gin and original cocktails he creates.

A gin made using ingredients from New Zealand's natural environment and New Zealand ingredients.

This combination allows people to fully experience the charm of this region, and achieving this with gin rather than wine is groundbreaking for New Zealand as a whole.

If you are planning a wine-exploring trip to Marlborough, be sure to visit his The Gin Shack. You will discover a new charm in the wine town of Marlborough.

Roots 'Rosso' Pinot Noir Gin

item	Content
Producer name	Elemental Distillers Ltd
Country of origin	new zealand
Origin	Marlborough
kinds	gin
botanical	Juniper (wild-collected), Grapefruit "Golden Special", Coriander seeds, Motueka hops (organic), Kawakawa berries (wild-collected), Gorse flowers (wild-collected), Angelica root, Orris root Approximately 25% New Zealand Pinot Noir blend
Alcohol content	37.5%
capacity	700ml