Burn Cottage, Moonlight Race Central Otago Pinot Noir
Country: New Zealand Region: Central Otago Vintage: 2016
Category: Red Wine Colour: Red Varietal: Pinot Noir/Nero
Producer: Burn Cottage
"Burn Cottage refers to the name of a road that the 24 hectare property sits on in Central Otago. The estate was once a sheep paddock until it was purchased by Marquis Sauvage in 2002. Marquis brought on board Ted Lemon of Littorai as their winemaker and together they started planting Pinot Noir in 2003.
Six years later, they released their first wine in 2009. To find suitable plots to plant on, they dug 60 soil pits and have subsequently selected ten Pinot Noir clones to plant on five different rootstocks tailored to the different soil profiles. Burn Cottage has the unique distinction of being the first and only Central Otago estate that has been biodynamic since day one, Ted Lemon's one stipulation for his involvement.
The winemaking at Burn Cottage also reflects biodynamic principles with low intervention. There is no addition of yeasts or bacteria for fermentations, with minimal sulphur use and no filtration before bottling. New to Burn Cottage is Moonlight Race Pinot Noir named after a water pathway or 'race' that passes through the property. The Pinot Noir for Moonlight Race comes from both Burn Cottage's biodynamic vineyards and two other vineyards that they work closely with. It is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months before release and is meant for earlier drinking. Burn Cottage Pinot Noir, on the other hand, comes all from estate fruit and will develop beautifully with age. Both of the Pinot Noirs contain a skilful use of whole-bunch fermentation giving them a lifted fragrance that makes them so seductive. We are truly delighted to add these stunning Pinot Noirs to our list."
Product Features: Sustainable; Vegetarian
Product Allergens: Eggs or Derived Products Label; Sulphites Label
Winemaker: Ted Lemon
Vineyards:
To find suitable plots to plant on, 60 soil pits were dug and ten Pinot Noir clones were selected to plant on five different rootstocks tailored to the different soil profiles. Burn Cottage has the unique distinction of being the first and only Central Otago estate that has been biodynamic since day one, Ted Lemon’s one stipulation for his involvement. The Moonlight Race Pinot Noir 2014 incorporates a blend of sites: fruit produced on Burn Cottage's own biodynamic farmed estate vineyard, along with two other vineyards in the Central Otago region. One site is farmed sustainably and another organically with some biodynamic input. The marriage creates a vibrant reflection of classic Central Otago Pinot Noir.
Vinification:
The team at Burn Cottage worked closely with the other growers throughout the season, and the wines were nurtured using their traditional care and attention. The Pinot Noir underwent indigenous ferments for around 17 days, with 15% of the fruit kept as whole clusters. Tanks were hand plunged three to four times per day during ferment. After 12 months in French Oak barriques, of which 19% were new, the wine was bottled, unfiltered.
Tasting Notes:
A myriad of mulberry, wild thyme and enticing savoury undertones are interwoven with layers of ripe summer berries. The palate displays both generosity and restraint, with plump and supple tannins that are supported by an amalgam of summer ripened plums, dark cherry and a freshness reminiscent of ripe red fruits. The finish is long, the wine showing lovely fruit purity and definition.
Food Suggestion: Juicy, pan fried duck breast or Asian inspired pork dishes.
Closure: Natural Cork ABV:13.5% Acidity [g/l]: 5.2
