Description
Ata Rangi, meaning ‘dawn sky, new beginning’ is owned and managed by a family trio – Clive Paton, his wife Phyll and his sister Alison. In 1980 Clive planted the bare, stony, home paddock at the edge of Martinborough, becoming one of a handful of people who pioneered grape growing in the area. Ata Rangi’s first vineyard covered less than five hectares on deep, free-draining alluvial gravels – the original course of a local river which flows from the hills that flank the eastern side of the valley.
Today they are joined by a strong team including winemaker Helen Masters, who in 2019 was awarded New Zealand Winemaker of the Year by Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine, as recognition of her 16 years’ work at Ata Rangi.
Having said that, the Ata Rangi winemaking philosophy is a notoriously simple, hands-off, and traditional approach that focuses on finding the true expression of their land, or terroir.
They believe that wines from Martinborough have a real depth of palate with texture and length and focus on these qualities as each harvest approaches. They aim for balance in all their wines, championing winemaking practices such as whole bunch pressing and barrel ageing to ensure that vineyard expression remains the hero.
Crimson is wonderfully red-fruited and aromatic Pinot Noir – engaging and alluring, with a fragrant nose of dried roses and hay. Aromas of fresh thyme and rosemary, with hints of spicy black cardamom, ginger, cinnamon and warm cedar are also apparent. Fruits such as rosehip and pomegranate become apparent as the nose opens up with smokey and savoury undertones.
The palate is wonderfully open and calm, with red fruits such as raspberry compote, rhubarb and orange zest gliding through to the finish. The tannins are fine and elegant with a freshness that carries through to a long-sustained finish.
Charming and fresh, while remaining supple and delicious – definitely one to savour.