2009 Mountford Estate Pinot Noir

Wairarapa is on the south end of New Zealand’s north island, and it is the country’s most exciting Pinot Noir region. Martinborough is the very small town that serves as the South Wairarapa region’s commercial center, and the district is home to more than 60 wineries, many of them specializing in Pinot Noir, and, more recently Pinot Gris. A mountain range between Wellington, to the west, and Wairarapa keeps the region’s vineyards temperate, with relatively dry falls that are optimal for Pinot Noir harvesting. The region also has the greatest variation between average daytime and average night temperatures, also a boon to grape growing and especially Pinot Noir. Sauvignon Blanc is also grown.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.