Devotus 'Aprentis of Devotus' Pinot Noir 2022

Devotus is a boutique winery in Martinborough, New Zealand, founded by Don and Valerie Buchanan, dedicated to producing limited-production Pinot Noir with a focus on sustainable viticulture and hands-on winemaking. The 'Aprentis of Devotus' Pinot Noir 2022 is a special release, crafted from young vines, reflecting the future potential of the vineyard and the next generation of winemakers. Martinborough is one of New Zealand’s premier Pinot Noir regions, known for its cool, dry climate and free-draining alluvial soils, which contribute to wines with structure, depth, and complexity.

The terroir in Martinborough, particularly the deep gravel soils, combined with the region’s cool growing season, creates Pinot Noirs that are both elegant and full of vibrant fruit. At Devotus, minimal intervention in the vineyard and winery is key. The grapes are hand-harvested, and the wine is fermented with wild yeasts and aged in a mix of new and used French oak barrels, allowing the purity of the fruit to take centre stage while adding subtle complexity.

Appearance: A bright ruby red with a clear rim, reflecting its youthful vibrancy and clarity.

Aroma: Fresh red berry aromas of raspberry, strawberry, and red cherry burst from the glass, layered with delicate floral notes of rose petals and subtle earthy hints of damp soil and herbs.

Taste: The palate is lively and approachable, with juicy red fruit flavours of cherry, cranberry, and raspberry, underpinned by a touch of spice like clove and cinnamon and a hint of dried herbs. The wine has a smooth texture, with fine, silky tannins and a bright acidity that keeps the wine fresh and vibrant.

Finish: The finish is medium-long, with lingering red fruit and a touch of spice, leaving a clean, refreshing sensation, highlighting the wine's youthful energy and precision.

Food Pairing: This Pinot Noir would pair beautifully with grilled lamb chops, where the wine’s bright acidity and red fruit complement the savoury richness of the lamb. It would also be a great match for roast beetroot and goat's cheese salad, as the wine’s acidity cuts through the creaminess of the cheese while its earthy and red fruit notes harmonise with the beetroot.