{"title":"Akarua | Bannockburn","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/Collection_Banner_76b254fc-a61e-4522-a14a-bf5a2ed8a753.jpg?v=1622293413\" alt=\"Akarua Vineyards in Bannockburn, Central Otago New Zealand\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eAkarua\u003c\/b\u003e is a premium, independent vineyard and wine estate located in the Central Otago region of New Zealand. The name itself translates directly to \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2\" data-index-in-node=\"149\"\u003e\"two vines\"\u003c\/b\u003e in te reo Māori, celebrating the very first blocks of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay planted on the property back in 1996. The pioneering Skeggs family originally established the estate on a spectacular, north-facing terrace in \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2\" data-index-in-node=\"384\"\u003eBannockburn\u003c\/b\u003e that has provided the permanent backbone for these wines ever since. Because the growing season in this part of the world is so short and intense, finding the right location is absolutely vital, and Akarua sits on one of the finest plots in the region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eIn October 2022, this local Kiwi success story entered an exciting new chapter when the historic French winemaking family, Edmond de Rothschild Heritage, purchased the estate. By pairing New Zealand’s adventurous spirit with centuries of old-world expertise, they focus entirely on unlocking the potential of these unique terraces to produce exceptional, \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"355\"\u003esingle-estate wines\u003c\/b\u003e that blend everyday drinkability with serious regional soul.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003eTo protect this unique land for the future, Technical Director Anne Escalle is leading a complete transformation of the vineyards toward certified \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"147\"\u003eorganic wine\u003c\/b\u003e production and regenerative practices. The viticulture team works directly with nature, sowing clover and wildflowers between the vine rows to naturally nourish the soil and retain moisture, while an underground irrigation system encourages the vines to grow deep, resilient roots. This precise care directly shapes what lands in the glass, giving the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"512\"\u003ewhite wines\u003c\/b\u003e a crisp, aromatic precision and the famous \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"567\"\u003ered wines\u003c\/b\u003e their deep, dark-cherry plushness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAKARUA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"akarua-bannockburn-central-otago-pinot-noir","title":"Akarua Bannockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Akarua Vineyard is a unique site, measuring 52 hectares, 34.5 of which is planted with vines. The estate is tucked into the foothills of the mountains rising above the Kawarua River and is located in Bannockburn in New Zealands Central Otago region. The vineyard occupies three west-facing terraces and enjoys intense sun all year round. This outstanding terroir lends remarkable character to the Pinot Noir. Aged for eleven months in French oak barriques the Akarua Bannockburn Pinot Noir is floral and spicy, it has a nose of fresh raspberries and blackcurrant, with loads of black cherry on the palate. [#intro]A very special wine that comes from the beautiful Bannockburn vineyards in Central Otago...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Akarua","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39714834120771,"sku":"A23AKARUAPINOT","price":33.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/PinotBottle_f5a7bffb-be68-4906-8683-9d8f22d45f49.jpg?v=1680104794"},{"product_id":"akarua-the-siren-pinot-noir","title":"Akarua 'The Siren' Central Otago Pinot Noir 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Siren Pinot Noir, Akarua’s super-premium vintage, is an ambitious and bewitching wine. It is produced using the finest hand-picked grapes that have been grown on the finest land of Cairnmuir. It is aged 18 months in one and two-year-old French oak barriques, followed by 12 months in bottle. The Siren is a wine for collectors, for the hedonists, for life’s most important moments. A powerful and brooding wine, complex with lifted florals, dark berry fruit and deeply resonant roasted spice notes reflecting the Cairnmuir Road parcels.[#intro]The super-premium Pinot of Akarua is a wine for life's most important moments...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Akarua","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40461187252291,"sku":"A19AKARUASIREN","price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/SirenBottle.jpg?v=1680106701"},{"product_id":"akarua-chardonnay","title":"Akarua Chardonnay 2024","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eAkarua Chardonnay \u003c\/b\u003eshowcases the remarkably pure and elegant side of Central Otago white winemaking. Crafted under the guidance of the historic French winemaking family, Edmond de Rothschild Heritage, this vintage focuses entirely on precision, vibrant fruit energy, and a beautifully rounded textural weight that shows off the natural quality of the Chardonnay grape variety. In the glass, it delivers a striking balance of ripe peach and crisp citrus flavours, underpinned by a mouth-watering freshness. Because the grapes are grown on sun-drenched terraces and cooled by dramatic nightly temperature drops from the surrounding mountain ranges, the wine retains a lovely, bright lift while drawing a subtle, stony minerality from the soil. A touch of clever, traditional winemaking technique adds a gentle, creamy texture to the palate that makes it feel incredibly smooth. This is a versatile, food-friendly white wine that is perfect for everyday drinking. It makes a fantastic partner for a classic roast chicken, grilled pork chops, or a creamy pasta dish, and pairs effortlessly with a simple plate of fish and chips on a Friday night.[#intro]\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA beautifully crisp, textured New Zealand white packed with bright citrus and mineral freshness...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Akarua","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58327943807357,"sku":"A24AKARUACHARDONNAY","price":23.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/AkaruaChardonnayBottle.jpg?v=1782552114"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/collections\/Collection_Image_cc200f48-9ed0-44b4-be85-f6ba23d6401f.jpg?v=1622293530","url":"https:\/\/hic.wine\/collections\/akarua.oembed","provider":"Hic!","version":"1.0","type":"link"}