PREFACE
The first think you notice with Terra Sancta wines is how the label jumps out at you, it is both bold and totally different to what you find from most Australian and New Zealand premium wines today and yet this could easily be a classic European bottle with its styling. This feels reflective of what is a very smart winery and a classy wine. The label is based on a map, the original map of Terra Sancta – the Holy Land, created by Abraham Ortelius in 1582.
THE WINERY
Terra Sancta (Sacred Earth) is so named to reflect the beauty, the fertility and the extremes found in this part of Central Otago. Located on Felton Road just near its famous neighbour, Terra Sancta actually has the first grapes planted in the Cromwell Basin, they have a deep passion for creating and maintaining a wonderful terroir. Terra Sancta has established a farming system based both on organic and regenerative principles. The organic farming means not use of herbicides, pesticides or fungicides. Regenerative farming is focused on enhancing the health of the ecosystem with a deep emphasis on soil health. Everything begins and ends in the soil. Regenerative is simply returning the biological resources to the living ecosystem to support new, healthy, biological growth.
One key way they regenerate the soil is using free range hens – there are over 500 hens roaming the vines, eating the grubs, pecking and pooping, generally improving the soil and well being of the vines.
The winery produces five Pinot Noirs (an estate and four single vineyard wines), Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Old Vine Riesling, Late Harvest White, Rose, As well as a couple of ‘specials’ The Italian (made of Dolcetto, Lagrein and Barbera) and a premium Rose.
They also have olive oil, beer and botanical aperitivo.
Our philosophy across all our products, whether farmed, foraged or grown, is the same – the label is the source code that tells the story of the place historically, geographically, and mystically. We produce only products that can be traced to a particular special place with its own clear character.
Terra Sancta
THE VINEYARD
The first Terra Sancta vineyard was planted in 1991 in Bannockburn, Central Otago, founders Sarah Elliot and Mark Weldon searched for sites that could create site specific wines that speak to the provenance of the location.
The Shingle Beach site sits beside the Kawarau River and refers to the shale and stone shingle on the river beach. The side was developed in 2001 by American Pinot Noir pioneer Gary Andrus who was confident in the site attributes. The soil is predominantly schist and limestone, the vines are planted low and dense resulting in powerful flavours.
THE WINE MAKING
Minimal wine making intervention, fermentation is in large oak barrels using wild yeasts.
TASTING
The has a bright floral aroma there is a hint of rose, amongst the sour plum, cherry and thyme. On the palate the brightness continues, this is a full bodied and bold pinot, there is a good acid balance and that sour plum, mushroom and spice all comes through. There is good (but not exceptional) length but it is a nicely integrated and beautifully balanced wine, delicious – 92/100 Points.
FACTS
Price | $50 AUD or $49.95 NZD
Varietal | Pinot Noir 100%
Oak | Large barrels
Seal | Stelvin
Production | XX bottles
pH | 3.75
Acidity | 4.6 g/l
Alcohol | 13.0% ABV
RS | <1 g/l
[table id=5 /]“An impressively fragrant, floral aroma leads to a dry, tangy palate with red cherry, violet, fresh herb, brambles and spicy oak flavours. A vibrant, high-energy pinot noir with mouth-tingling acidity. 04 FEB 2021”
Bob Campbell MW – The Real Review 4th Feb 2021
LINKS
REVIEWS & AWARDS
- 95/100 – Bob Campbell – The Real Review 2018
- 4.5/5 Stars – Michael Cooper – Buyer’s Guide to NZ Wines 2019
- 92/100 – Crispin Blackall – Almanak Magazine 2023