2022 Ballasalla Pinot Noir, Folding Hill, Central Otago, New Zealand

The Ballasalla Pinot Noir from Folding Hill is a great introduction to Central Otago Pinot. It is made from 100% destemmed grapes, fermented in open fermenters and aged in oak barrel for 6 months. The result is a very approachable Pinot Noir that retains a lot of youthful fruit, but with a developed edge. This is exceptional for the price.

Advised by legendary Central Otago viticulturist Robin Dicey the first vines were planted at this Estate in 2003. The team at Folding Hill carefully selected clones and rootsocks proven locally to make wines with complexity, flavour, balance and length and have done everything possible to ensure the vines have been able to reach their full potential. They strongly believe that low yields are of paramount importance in creating outstanding Pinot Noir and they manage their vines intensively through the growing season to ensure crop levels are around 3.5 – 4.5 tonnes per hectare.Their approach to winemaking is based on the traditional philosophy and practices of the ‘Old World’. They believe that hand picking optimally ripe fruit and then gently guiding it through vinification with as little intervention as possible allows them to produce elegant wines with flavour and structure that authentically reflect the special place they come from – wines that really are “Handmade from Central Otago”