Framingham Pinot Noir

Full bodied. fruity Pinot noir generally pairs well with dishes that contain an element of spice. Try crispy duck, pulled pork, seared tuna and glazed ham.

Framingham 2012 Marlborough Pinot Noir is blended from 13 base wines made from low-cropped, reasonably well exposed grapes harvested from six different sites around Marlborough’s Wairau Valley, one being our Estate vineyard, the others being in the Southern Wairau valley with more clay based soils. Approximately 30% of the wine is Clone 5, with 10/5, 115, 667, 777 and Abel comprising the rest. The fruit was harvested by hand and were generally gently de-stemmed.

The wines underwent malolactic fermentation and 10 months maturation in a mixture of new and seasoned French barriques, approximately 22% of which were first use. After maturation, selected base wines were blended and bottled unfiltered under screw cap to preserve freshness, flavour and integrity.

The majority of the grapes were gently de-stemmed into stainless steel open top fermenters in the winery; however some batches had whole bunch components of up to 20%. These musts were held cold for 5-8 days to promote aqueous extraction of fine fruit tannins. Plunging was carried out 3 times per day during fermentation (with both spontaneous and inoculated yeasts) and temperatures were allowed to peak at around 30C. Once fermentation was complete, wines were assessed daily for extraction and structure, and were pressed when this was deemed to be in balance. Some parcels, largely from the vineyards with more clay content, were left on skins longer to provide structure and some savoury elements.

We’re big believers in doing what you love. So when it comes to making wine we just make wine that we ourselves want to drink. We love aromatic styled wines to accompany food. And over the years our Framingham range has grown with a strong tradition of winemaking for balance texture and complexity. By combining small batches of fruit from different parts of the vineyard we build depth of flavour and texture. And by using experimental techniques and blending options we take risks. And the result? Rich expressive wines we love to drink. Riesling Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay Pinot Gris Gewürztraminer Pinot Noir and Montepulciano all grow on our Estate. But small batches mean limited quantities. So when Framingham wines are gone they’re gone.