Technical details
Vinification & maturation
Hand harvestedBatch fermented15% whole clusterThree-week skin fermentationFrench oak barrels25% new oak10 months aging
Grapes
Pinot Noir
Soils
ClaySchistLoamSandLoess
Producer
Akarua
New Zealand
Akarua is a Central Otago producer based in Bannockburn, founded by the Skeggs family in 1996 and acquired by Edmond de Rothschild Heritage in 2022. First planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the estate takes its name from the Māori for “two vines.” Its Bannockburn vineyards, including the Cairnmuir area, are noted for balanced soils and sun-exposed slopes well suited to fine Pinot Noir. Winemaking is led by Andrew Keenleyside. Farming is regenerative and organic in approach, with underground precision irrigation, legumes and flower strips, biodiversity measures and a current conversion toward BioGro certification for the 2026 vintage. The style is focused on textural, elegant wines made with care in the vineyard and gentle winemaking.