Pinot Noir

Beef, Veal, Game (deer, venison), Poultry

Low rainfall during winter combined with a very windy October and then patchy weather early season; this resulted in slow vine growth initially. Some frost fighting was required, (some events as late as December) however no damage was sustained. The weather warmed considerably to above average temperatures mid-season, enabling healthy vine growth, and a favourably short flowering. Central Otago had fantastic summer weather and very warm nights at times, so the season quickly caught up to normal timing and maturity progressed well. Cooler periods in February did not change the overall flow of the season and we proceeded to pick in mild weather at the usual timing in March/ April, with winter setting in shortly afterwards.

The wine was aged in French barrels, 19% of which were new oak.

The winemaking at Burn Cottage reflects biodynamic principles with low intervention. There is no addition of yeasts or bacteria for fermentations, sulphur use is minimal and there is no filtration before bottling. 31% of the Pinot Noir grapes were whole-bunch fermented to achieve an aromatic, lifted fragrance.

The Burn Cottage Vineyard property was purchased in 2002. It had been grazed by sheep for as long as can currently be remembered. There were and are no immediate vineyard neighbours. The site was much coveted in the region as it is sheltered from both northerly and southerly winds by large hills and forms a beautiful protected bowl much like a modern amphitheatre. Husband and wife Marquis Sauvage and Dianne Sauvage were on a return trip from the Mornington Peninsula in Australia and had decided to visit several regions in New Zealand. For some time the family had contemplated starting their own winery. Dianne and Marquis were struck by the extraordinary beauty of Central Otago and became even more impressed after tasting through the region's wines particularly Felton Road and Gibbston Valley. They decided that they had found the place they were looking for. Marquis continued the property search with a real estate broker and came across the Burn Cottage site. As Marquis likes to say he had visited enough great vineyards around the world and this one had the right look. Unbeknownst to the Sauvages several prominent local wineries and winemakers were interested in the site and had had their eyes upon it for some time. The property became available in January of 2002 and the Sauvages were able to purchase it at auction. The Sauvages contacted Ted Lemon owner and winemaker of Littorai Wines in Sebastopol CA to seek his involvement in the project. The Sauvages were unaware at the time that Ted already had deep connections to New Zealand and particularly to Central Otago. Ted and Marquis travelled to New Zealand to see the property and Ted was sold on the idea upon the spot.