We're bringing you something new that has a piece of home beneath the label. With the release of our McBride Sisters Collection New Zealand Reserve Wines, we are showcasing a true expression of the Central Otago region. Robin and I are thrilled to share our latest releases - artisanal and limited production wines from prestigious vineyards in the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand:
- McBride Sisters Collection Reserve Pinot Noir "Papatūānuku" Central Otago, New Zealand 2019
- McBride Sisters Collection Reserve Gamay "Rebels" Central Otago, New Zealand 2020
Both wines from Aotearoa New Zealand are dedicated to humanity’s deep connection to Papatūānuku Mother Earth. We wanted to honor nature’s influence in the Pinot Noir and Gamay, along with our quest to rebel against status quo culture.
The Region
The Central Otago wine growing region overloads the senses with its sparkling turquoise lakes, fast-flowing rivers, steep canyons, rainforest and perfectly snow-capped mountains. Wildflowers populate the landscape adding vivid color and vibrancy amid the rocky browns and soft greens of the sweeping landscape.
Situated on the 45th latitude South, Central Otago is the geographic counterpart to the world’s top Pinot Noir regions: Burgundy and Oregon.
The Southern Alps’ Main Divide mountain range protects the region from rain so grapevines are forced to grow deep into the mineral-rich soils, while snowfall on the surrounding mountains helps to moderate the climate.
However, the area’s extreme temperature shifts allow the grapes to ripen in warm sunshine while the cold nights seal in varietal character, fruit intensity, color and acidity. Most visitors choose to hike, bike or drive RVs around the area to best experience the powerful landscape. (And of course partake in the most amazing wine and food culture.)
Behind the Label - Reserve Pinot Noir “Papatūānuku” 2019
New Zealand is not only a fantastic place to visit, it’s my childhood home.
After landing in Aotearoa New Zealand at age six, I split time between my mum’s farming family in Blenheim, Marlborough and my Māori foster family in West Auckland. My childhood experiences ranged from planting Sauvignon Blanc vineyards to gathering at the family Marae (Sacred Meeting House) in the Bay of Plenty. Māori people have strong spiritual bonds to the environment, and believe that Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) sustains all life.
Our thoughtful crafting of the McBride Sisters Collection Reserve Pinot Noir pays homage to this bond and interconnectedness between humanity, environment and the wine.
The Reserve Pinot Noir grapes were hand harvested from vineyards in the Bannockburn, Gibbston and Pisa sub-regions of Central Otago, in the South Island of New Zealand.
Ripe aromas of cherry, strawberry and plum pair with notes of sandalwood, brown sugar and baking spice. This Pinot Noir is medium-bodied with velvety tannins and flavors of black cherry, violet and red fruits. Subtle minerality balances the fruit on the palate, making it an outstanding example of elegant, delicious, Pinot Noir.
THIS IS A LIMITED EDITION; ONLY 223 CASES OF MCBRIDE SISTERS COLLECTION RESERVE PINOT NOIR “PAPATŪĀNUKU” 2019 WERE PRODUCED.
Behind the Label - Reserve Gamay "Rebels" 2020
Of the tens of millions of sheep in New Zealand, very few are black. Culturally, black sheep are usually marching to the beat of their own drum. When Robin and I started out in the wine industry, we saw the business differently than most people and decided to do things our way, the McBride Sisters way.
From the beginning, we rebelled against the status quo of “how the industry works” and ultimately, found success by breaking the rules. Central Otago is not known for growing or making Gamay - it represents less than 1% of the wine produced in the region. This McBride Sisters Collection Reserve Gamay is an ode to the rebels who see things differently…
The Reserve Gamay grapes were hand harvested from a single vineyard in the Bannockburn sub-region of Central Otago, in the South Island of New Zealand. Gorgeous, fresh aromas of candied strawberry, pomegranate and raspberry jump out of the glass, followed by delicate notes of violet and lavender. A vibrant, dry wine with lingering raspberry and strawberry on the palate, this complex expression of Gamay has a savory, long finish enhanced by unique black pepper spice and a fruit forward core.
THIS IS A LIMITED EDITION; ONLY 28 CASES OF MCBRIDE SISTERS COLLECTION RESERVE GAMAY "REBELS" 2020 WERE PRODUCED.
Join us and take a sip of what Central Otago has to offer...
- Andréa McBride John
