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After reading the previous paragraph, one might be waxing nostalgic for their dog-eared copy of the “Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien whilst they ponder what in the world this has to do with Pinot Noir. Well, the Misty Mountains, as cinematographically reproduced by Peter Jackson, are actually the Southern Alps, just west of one of the only wine regions in New Zealand with a true Continental Climate, Central Otago. These geologic and meteorological conditions lead to a macroclimate perfectly suited for Pinot production. Vis-à-vis, Frodo and the Gang were probably drinking
Pinot Noir.
Read more below……
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir
750ml, $15.99
With Pinot Noir the fruit is always the primary focus. Marlborough’s warm days and cool nights make it an ideal climate for growing the famously temperamental grape. Matured in French oak barrels the result is fragrant, soft, and flavourful, with aromas of ripe cherries and sweet fruit tannins that provide structure and length. Elegant, cool climate Pinot Noir at its best.
Kim Crawford Pinot Noir
750ml, $19.99
Marlborough, New Zealand -This aromatic Pinot Noir is both elegant and refined with black cherries and red currants on the nose and on the palate. Underscored by ripe tannins and oak nuances, this beauty is well balanced with a smooth velvety finish. It is perfect with salmon.
Loveblock Pinot Noir
750ml, $32.99
Difficult to find outside of New Zealand, Central Otago Pinots rank among the top in the world for depth and quality. Loveblock has an enticing nose of dark forest berries, wild strawberries, violets, and a warm earthiness. The palate is dry with low tannins and showcases wild strawberry, tart red cherry, dried cranberry, and tobacco. A young wine with aging potential.
Central Otago is the southernmost wine producing region in the world at 45° south latitude which places it squarely in the southern third of the South Island of New Zealand. This far southern position places this region halfway between the equator and the South Pole, making for a cooler climate than many wine regions in the Southern Hemisphere. To put it in perspective for those of us on the other side of the planet, the 45th parallel north is the border between Wyoming
and Montana.
This is what is meant by a Continental Climate, warm summers and cold winters. During the summers temperatures range between 50° nights and 85° days much like our climate here in Colorado. In addition, the Southern Alps act as what is called a rain shadow, blocking much of the moisture from passing into the region thereby creating one of the driest parts of New Zealand. All of this adds up to a special place for Pinot Noir.
Let’s not forget about Edoras, the capital of Rohan, home of the horse lords. This is actually the Canterbury region in New Zealand right next to Marlborough. Rightly known as the source of some of the world’s great Sauvignon Blancs, it is home to some terrific Pinot Noirs as well. Central Otago Pinot noirs have become characterized as "fruit bombs"—big, soft textured, wines, rich in flavors like boysenberry while Marlborough Pinots tend to be a little earthier.
Pinot is what is known as a cool climate grape, it does its best work in marginal climates like New Zealand. While it may be cooler, there is plenty of sunshine to help ripen those grapes as during the summer months, daylight can last until 10pm. Pinot is also very prone to mildew and rot, so a dry climate during the growing season is necessary to get high quality fruit. Now we see the importance of those mountains.