Akarua
Established by Sir Clifford Skeggs-(who also owns the largest seafood company in New Zealand)-in 1986 in Bannockburn-Central Otago-with a focus on Pinot Noir the first small vintage was produced in 1999 with the first serious release in 2000. With vitculturist Gillian Wilson-with 6years experience in Gisborne and Hawkes bay, and winemaker Matt Connell-Oregon and Otago experience (his first vintage will be the 09) Akarua is set continue to grow its award winning reputation in the global wine world with its near 50 hectares of vineyards-making it the largest family owned estate in The Central Otago.
Split over three main areas Akarua cultivates three main grape varieties, namely pinot noir-70% of all plantings, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.
The winery was built in 1999 alongside the Bannockburn Heights vineyard block. The original concept acknowledged those special requirements that the Pinot Noir grapes demand of winemakers. It is equipped with a range of open-top and closed stainless steel fermenters that have been specially tailored to ensure optimum extraction of grape characters. The barrel room is spacious and temperature-controlled to reflect the conditions most suited to the wines. Special care is taken to ensure that humidity is maintained appropriately, especially with the dry conditions that tend to predominate in Central Otago.
The last year has seen an investment that has doubled the tank fermentation capacity, enabling the winery to "pull off" the entire harvest in one go rather than at stages, thus enabling them to pick the total fruit harvest at the opportune moment.
We also expect to see further developments in the style of the pinots with Oregon experienced Matt building on past success with an even more "sexier-in his words" pinot made from more forward fruit and softer oak influences.
Also watch out for the riesling from 2010.
Producer Information
| Established | 1986 |
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| Size | 47 Hectares |
| Website | www.akarua.com |
| Vineyards |
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| Wine List | View wines produced by Akarua |
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