# Oyster Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir

- **Producer:** Oyster Bay Wines
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Marlborough, New Zealand
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €15
- **Vegan:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red cherry, red plum, raspberry, strawberry, vanilla, cedar

## About this wine

Oyster Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir is a distinguished red wine from the renowned Marlborough region of New Zealand. Produced by Oyster Bay Wines, a significant family-owned winery, it is crafted exclusively from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. The wine embodies the producer's commitment to showcasing the distinctiveness of New Zealand's cool-climate viticulture, aiming for wines that are elegant, assertive, and rich in fruit flavors. Marlborough's unique terroir, with its ancient alluvial soils and maritime climate, plays a pivotal role in shaping the wine's character. The winery is a founding member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, highlighting their dedication to environmentally conscious practices.

## Interesting facts

- The first vintage of Oyster Bay Pinot Noir was famously described as 'the elusive stuff of dreams'.
- Marlborough's soils are ancient and alluvial, contributing to the wine's unique character.
- Oyster Bay is a founding member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.

## Food pairing

The wine's bright acidity and medium body cut through the richness of roasted meats and fatty fish, while its supple tannins complement protein. Red fruit notes in the wine can echo or contrast with fruit-based sauces, and its earthy undertones pair well with mushroom dishes.

## Wine making process

Oyster Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir is produced from grapes harvested from vineyard blocks in Marlborough's Wairau and Awatere Valleys. The fruit is destemmed and crushed into stainless steel tanks for fermentation, with open tanks undergoing hand-plunging. A portion may be fermented in French oak. Following fermentation, the wine is matured in a mix of stainless steel and French oak barriques for approximately 11 months before blending. Oyster Bay is committed to sustainable viticulture, employing practices such as precise water management and promoting biodiversity through ground cover plantings.