Cloud Factory Pinot Noir 2020

It is said that the first explorers who crossed the great oceans were greeted by large white clouds indicating that they could finally sight New Zealand . Like the label, these long white clouds carry the precious rain which, thanks to the marvelous mechanics of the vine, is found by nature in this Pinot Noir. This wine comes from 2 coastal vineyards located in the far southeast of Marlborough, in the Blind River Valley. The Rapaura vineyard is composed of gravel soils and that of Omaka Valley of clay soils. Each plot was kept separately and fermented in small open vats. After pressing and blending, part of the wine is aged in stainless steel vats and another in French oak barrels. This wine expresses fruity notes of strawberry , red cherry , cranberry , redcurrant , raspberry , blackcurrant , plum , red flowers as well as woody and chocolate nuances. On the palate, it's crunchy, balanced by a fine acidity and generous in fruit with enough texture to be indulgent.

Introduced in 1819, the cultivation of vines was greatly developed by Jean-Baptiste Pompallier, a French Marist missionary. Sent to Oceania in 1837, he settled in January 1838 to develop the New Zealand vineyards. The first quality vineyards were established in the Hawke's Bay region in the 19th and early 20th centuries. After the production hazards first due to Phylloxera and then to the First World War, this vineyard began to expand again during the Second World War when its surface area doubled. Today, New Zealand has 10 major wine regions spread between the North and South Islands, the largest of which is Marlborough. Most of New Zealand's wine regions have a maritime climate. The long, thin shape of the country means that vineyards are never more than 120km from the coast and most are even much closer than that (with the exception of the semi-continental region of Central Otago). A spine of mountains running through the center of the country protects most of the major wine regions from the strong westerly winds from the Tasman Sea known as the "Roaring Forties". Due to these winds, there are few wine growing regions on the west coast of New Zealand. The quality and reputation of New Zealand wines is well established. Indeed, this country produces some of the best and most recognized Sauvignon Blanc in the world. And it is no coincidence that New Zealand has succeeded in making Sauvignon blanc its symbol, just like its sheep, its kiwi and its legendary haka!