Akarua

The Akarua vineyard is located on one of the finest sites in the Bannockburn sub-region of Central Otago.  The 90acre vineyard was planted in 1996 on soils of gravel, broken schist and sand.  The sites topography is dominated by ancient alluvial terraces bordered by parapets of hill blocks that stand vigil against the harsh prevailing conditions.  The vineyard is broken up into 3 main blocks with 70% of the plantings being Pinot Noir with Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and a small amount of Riesling making up the difference.  The vines are planted at a density of 2200 per acre and are trained using the VSP trellising.  Crop levels are kept extremely low to maximize concentration levels and water is used very sparingly.  All work in the vineyard and winery is done by hand with as little intervention as possible in the winemaking process.  Winemaker Matt Connell has been one of the most highly awarded winemakers in Central Otago and makes wines of finesse, elegance and power. AKARUA WINES