2023 · Vale Chenin Blanc

Luta Wines is Rob and Kate Burley’s small-hold natural wine project in Moutere, Nelson, based on their organic vineyard, farmed organically since 2019. The Burleys own and operate the estate and make the wines themselves, using low-intervention, hands-off methods with attention to clonal selection and, for some wines, whole-bunch fermentation. Named after lutum, the Latin word for clay, Luta highlights the character of the Moutere clays through selected-barrel wines made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chenin Blanc. The wines form the reserve range of Unkel Wines, with extended ageing in barrel, tank and bottle before release, and include single-vineyard expressions such as the Vale Chenin Blanc and structured Shadow Pinot Noir.