# Te Wāhi Pinot Noir (2018)

- **Producer:** Cloudy Bay
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Central Otago, New Zealand
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €85
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, raspberry, violet, black pepper, herbaceous, vanilla, cloves, toast, smoke, game, leather, forest floor, wet leaves

## About this wine

Te Wāhi, meaning 'the place' in Māori, represents Cloudy Bay's exploration of Central Otago's unique terroir. Established in Marlborough, Cloudy Bay ventured south to Central Otago, attracted by the region's potential for producing structured, elegant Pinot Noir. This wine is a blend of two distinct sub-regions: the rocky, warm soils of Bannockburn and the cooler, clay-rich soils of Lowburn. Together, they create a Pinot Noir of remarkable depth, complexity, and sense of place.

## Interesting facts

- Te Wāhi translates to 'The Place' in Māori, reflecting the wine's deep connection to the rugged Central Otago landscape.
- The wine is a precise blend of fruit from two distinct sub-regions: the warm, structured Bannockburn and the elegant, cool Lowburn.
- Cloudy Bay spent years searching for the perfect Central Otago vineyards before launching Te Wāhi.

## Food pairing

Central Otago Pinot Noir has the structure, acidity, and dark fruit profile to pair beautifully with rich, gamey meats like duck and venison. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the fat of pork belly or salmon, while its earthy undertones complement wild mushrooms and savory herbs like rosemary.

## Wine making process

The grapes for the 2018 vintage were hand-harvested and carefully destemmed, with a small portion of whole bunches included to enhance structure and aromatic complexity. Following a cold soak, fermentation took place in open-top stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts. The wine was then aged for 14 months in French oak barriques (approximately 30% new) before blending and bottling.