Akitu A1 Pinot Noir 2020

In 1959 Andrew Donaldson's grandfather bought a house in the stunning but then remote location of Lake Wānaka, Central Otago. Some decades later this is now one of the world's most exciting places to make Pinot noir.

In 2000, Andrew bought a 12 hectare plot Upper Clutha basin, near Wānaka, that is now Akitu (meaning ‘the summit’ or ‘apex’ in Māori), and dedicated it exclusively to cultivating Pinot Noir across various clones. The estate produces approximately 60 tonnes of fruit each vintage.

Akitu A1 Pinot Noir is the flagship wine, Akitu A2 Pinot Noir is the more approachable expression, and Akitu Pino Noir Blanc is an innovative white wine crafted from Pinot Noir grapes.

The commitment to producing exceptional Pinot Noir has positioned Akitu as a notable producer within New Zealand's wine industry.

Grapes were from Dijon clones and hand harvested from Akitu’s single estate vineyard at 380m altitude on 16th -17th April 2019. 40% whole bunch, with a balance of whole berries, were used in fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Fermentation lasted 12-16 days, with long post-ferment gentle maceration (extended skin contact). Aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, of which 20% were new oak (sourced from prestigious Burgundian cooperages). Bottled on 19th March 2020, unfined and unfiltered.