Akarua Pinot Noirs Shine at 2011 Decanter Awards

Akarua Rua 2010 Measures up Against the World’s Top Pinot Noirs

Akarua Rua Pinot Noir 2010 from the famed Pinot Noir producing Central Otago region of New Zealand took home one of only 11 Gold medals awarded to New Zealand wines from more than 12,200 international entries in the UK’s prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards 2011.

Notably Akarua Rua 2010 has also been named Number 4 wine on Decanter’s World Wine Awards Top 8 Pinot Noir List for 2011. This stellar achievement, for a newly released wine which is the entry-point in Akarua’s lineup of three Pinot Noirs, only further confirms Akarua’s ability to produce top quality Pinot Noir at all levels.

Rua (RRP $32) is made from estate grown fruit from Akarua’s vineyards in the sub-region of Bannockburn, which is widely regarded as the “jewel in Central Otago’s crown”. It is deliberately made in a style that can be consumed young and fresh, while retaining hallmark Central Otago characters of intense dark berry fruits, a velvety texture and soft bright finish.

The Akarua range also includes a Pinot Gris (RRP $31) made in the house style which highlights the orange blossom and pear characters that the sandy loam soils of the estate has become known for.

The benchmark Pinot Noir from the Akarua range is the Akarua Estate Pinot Noir 2010 ($48), which sits in the middle of the trio of Pinot Noirs from this famed estate. A wonderful vintage year is evident in the poise, concentration and balance this wine possesses.

First planted in 1996, Akarua is the largest privately owned estate in Central Otago. Under second generation family leadership, Akarua has never been in such a strong position as it is today as it continues to receive international recognition, coinciding with increasing presence in markets outside New Zealand.

Akarua Winemaker Matt Connell is delighted. “We are focused on providing consistently great wines from our Akarua vineyard which will introduce wine lovers from all around the world to the delights of Central Otago wines.”

Akarua has enjoyed a string of successes with their 2009 vintage wines; Champion Pinot Noir Trophy at the Royal Easter Show 2011 for Akarua Pinot Noir 2009 and Gold Medals in the Air NZ Wine Awards 2010 and the NZ International Wine Show 2010 for Akarua Reserve Pinot Noir 2009.

The team at Akarua is confident of another great year with such a positive first showing for the 2010 vintage. Also recently released from the Akarua portfolio are the new vintages of Akarua Pinot Noir 2010 and Akarua Pinot Gris 2010.

Akarua Pinot Gris 2010 RRP $31 (LUC $19.35 excl GST)
Akarua Rua Pinot Noir 2010 RPR $32 (LUC $19.35 excl GST)
Akarua Pinot Noir 2010 RRP $48 (LUC $29.03 excl GST)

Distributed by:

Vinous Solutions (NSW) Contact tim@vinous.com.au or ph: +61 (0) 2 9572 7285
Marquee Wines (Victoria) Contact nick@marqueewines.com.au or ph: +61 (0) 409 597 050