A single vineyard Merlot from Gisborne, sourced from the Briant Vineyard situated between Patutahi and Manutuke, across the Waipaoa River from Matawhero. Gisborne’s warm growing season allows Merlot to achieve full ripeness and generous flavour, while careful vineyard management ensures balance and structure.
Tasting Notes:
Deep ruby in colour, the wine shows ripe plum and dark berry aromas with well-developed fruit character. On the palate it is supple and medium to full bodied, with concentrated dark fruit supported by smooth tannins and integrated oak influence. The finish is rounded and harmonious, reflecting both ripeness and careful extraction.
Vineyard & Winemaking:
The Briant Vineyard is spur pruned to encourage even budburst and ripening, essential for high-quality red wine production. Leaf plucking increases sun exposure, helping the fruit to reach full maturity. Following optimal ripeness in a warm late season, the grapes were machine harvested in the cool of the evening, then destemmed and crushed. After a two-day cold soak, fermentation on skins lasted ten days, with regular pump-overs to extract colour and flavour while avoiding harsh tannins. The wine then underwent malolactic fermentation on oak before maturation, after which it was filtered and bottled.
Food Pairing:
A natural partner for roast lamb, beef dishes and grilled vegetables. It also pairs well with tomato-based pasta and semi-mature cheeses.
ABV: 13%