Churton, ‘Natural State’ Pinot Noir 2020

Sam and Mandy Weaver planted their vines on an undulating ridge line between the Waihopai and Omaka valleys in in 1997. This was (and remains) the height of idiosyncracy in Marlborough, where most vines are planted on the fertile soils of the valley floor, allowing for full mechanisation. At Churton, everything is done by hand, on low cut canes. This European style is reflected in the wine.

Sam and Mandy’s sons, Jack and Ben, are increasingly involved in the estate, and they are taking the wines in a new direction, using natural wine techniques; indigenous yeasts, less fining and filtration, and fewer sulphites. Their efforts met with approval at the New Zealand Organic Wine Awards in 2021, when this vintage won a gold medal.

Bright and lighter in style than the more savoury Churton Pinot made by Sam, this emphasises the red fruit character of the grape. Expect raspberry and cherry fruit in this unoaked and refreshing red.

We would expect serving it lightly chilled. One to sip happily by itself, it could accompany a range of lighter dishes, including spicy fish dishes.

2020; screw cap; 13% abv