2023 Blackenbrook Montepulciano
Grape
Montepulciano
Its Origins
Quality wines start in the vineyard. It was with that clear vision that Daniel and Ursula Schwarzenbach moved to the top of the South Island in 1998 and searched for land for almost two years, before purchasing their 20ha block in Tasman on the scenic Coastal Highway. The gentle north-facing slope, the Moutere clay soils and the mild maritime climate were immediately appealing. In the winter of 2000 they grafted their own vines to plant the first 4ha of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir in the following winter. Over the years they added Riesling, Gewürztraminer and the Italian red variety Montepulciano into the mix. Born in Switzerland but living in New Zealand since age 9, Daniel began his career as a medical chemist and microbiologist in NZ and the UK, before deciding that winemaking was the path he wanted to go down. He is committed to sustainable/organic winemaking, with very few additions/adjustments made to the wines themselves.
What The Critics Say
90/100 The Real Review, Stephen Wong MW
"Ursula and Daniel Schwarzenbach have lovingly tended their small Moutere vineyard for more than 20 years and are one of the few New Zealand sources of this delicious central Italian variety. This is very well made, savoury and smooth wine which is perfect for watching the sun set behind the beautiful mountains surrounding the Tasman. Mid-purple. Black cherry, raspberry and smoky cinnamon oak express themselves with exuberance in this smooth and silky mid-weight wine. Ripe, gentle tannins with just enough acidity to give a twist of tart cherry on the mid-palate provide the canvas for the fruit-driven flavours to settle into more spice and seed complexity. A hint of violet sits alongside the wood on the finish, making for a very easy-to-drink style with a satisfying savoury layer. 17 Jan 2025." Drink 2025 - 2028
94/100 Cameron Douglas MS (2022 vintage)
"Bold, ripe fruited bouquet with layers of mineral and red berry fruits, youthful with an enticing complexity. Plush, velvet textures touch the palate first with a core of raspberry and boysenberry fruit flavours, the ripeness contrast the acidity and tannin profiles perfectly showcasing a lovely mouthfeel and freshness. Delicious, fresh, dry and lengthy, a lovely food wine."
| Variety | Montepulciano |
|---|---|
| Region | Nelson |
| Closure | Cap |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Alcohol | 13.00% |
| Maturity | 2025 - 2028 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.
If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
