Akitu A1 Pinot Noir 2020

In 1959 Andrew Donaldson's grandfather bought a house in the stunning but then remote location of Lake Wānaka, Central Otago. Some decades later this is now one of the world's most exciting places to make Pinot noir.

In 2000, Andrew bought a 12 hectare plot Upper Clutha basin, near Wānaka, that is now Akitu (meaning ‘the summit’ or ‘apex’ in Māori), and dedicated it exclusively to cultivating Pinot Noir across various clones. The estate produces approximately 60 tonnes of fruit each vintage.

Akitu A1 Pinot Noir is the flagship wine, Akitu A2 Pinot Noir is the more approachable expression, and Akitu Pino Noir Blanc is an innovative white wine crafted from Pinot Noir grapes.

The commitment to producing exceptional Pinot Noir has positioned Akitu as a notable producer within New Zealand's wine industry.

Grapes were hand-picked from Akitu’s high-altitude vineyard in mid-April. 40% of the bunches were left whole, with the rest as whole berries, and fermented using native yeasts. After extended maceration, the wine aged for 15 months in French oak (20% new), and was bottled in March 2020 without fining or filtration.