515 Wairau Bar Road, R.D.3, Blenheim Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Variety

90% Pinot Noir

10% Pinot Gris

Vineyard

50% Selmes Rd

40% Bedford Rd

10% Upper Wairau

Wine analysis

Alc - 13%

pH – 3.2

T.A – 5.7 g/L

R.S – 5 g/L

Vineyard

The Pinot Noir for the te Pa Rose ́ was grown from two complementary sites, both targeted specifically for Rose ́ production. The Selmes Rd Vineyard is located in the eastern side of the Rapaura district in Marlborough’s Wairau Valley. The soils are silt loam, and the Pinot Noir from this block tends to have soft silky tannins, loads of red succulent fruit and soft acidity.

The Bedford Rd Vineyards are situated just west of Renwick further up the Wairau Valley. The soils are free draining sand loams. The cool nights and warm days from this part of the valley allow the Pinot Noir to gain concentration whilst retaining freshness and acidity.

The Upper Wairau Vineyard is used as the source of Pinot Gris. This is blended into the wine to give a nice aromatic lift in florals and spice. The cool nights in this part of the valley aid in the retention of acidity, which adds to the elegance and length of the wine.

Winemaking

Harvested over a week to ensure optimum maturity, our Pinot Noir fruit was gently crushed and held on skins for 6-12 hours to ensure the perfect balance of colour and flavour extraction. Cold juice was then pressed off the skins and fermented in a fashion similar to white wine to ensure the delicate aromatics were retained. 10% Pinot Gris was blended into the wine to provide some additional floral lift.

Tasting note

Lifted floral notes of rose petals, complimented by melon and bucket loads of freshly crushed red berries. This delicious Rose ́ is delicately structured and generous. The red fruits carry through the palate, with cranberry and pomegranate notes leading into a dry finish with lingering hints of spice. As the back label so eloquently states, this Rose ́ is reminiscent of “the red fruits of summertime in a glass.”

Vintage summary

Cool spring weather at flowering lead to very low yields with small bunches and berries in 2015. The summer was warm, dry, and settled which allowed the small crop to ripen beautifully.

The cool autumn nights helped retain freshness and acidity. Overall, a great growing season with very little disease pressure and plenty of good weather to ripen the fruit.

Awards and Accolades

• Gold Medal, China Wine & Spirits Awards 2016

• Silver Medal, International Wine & Spirits Competition 2016

• 90 Points & 4.5 stars, Sam Kim, Wine Orbit 2016

• 90 Points & 4 Stars, Bob Campbell MW 2016

• 88 Points, Wine Spectator, 2017

Resources

For high resolution bottle shots visit www.tepawines.com

te Pā Marlborough Pinot Noir Rosé 2015 Winemaker’s technical and tasting notes