Pyramid Valley North Canterbury Orange 2021

The wines of Pyramid Valley are born in the dramatic soils and slopes of the Waikari Estate in North Canterbury and the Pyramid Valley Mānatu Estate in Central Otago. Established in 2000, by Mike and Claudia Elze Weersing, the estate created remarkable wines, recognised the world over, for close to 20 years.

In 2017 Steve Smith MW (perhaps best known for establishing Craggy Range) and his business partner and wildlife conservationist Brian Sheth took over the estate, and are building on the work done by the Weersings to fulfil the full potential of the site. In 2018 they purchased a second vineyard in Lowburn, Central Otago called Manata Estate, an established vineyard that has produced exceptional Pinot Noir since 2002.

Staying true to the estate’s founding principles, both sites are managed following the principals of biodynamic viticulture and the winemaking follows natural principles.

Sourced from two vineyards in North Canterbury: Porters vineyard provided Pinot Gris, Muscat and Gewurtaminer (which were planted in 2004 on Domett Clay soils). The Three Sisters Vineyard provided the Riesling planted on the Glasnevin gravels. Harvested on 28th March and 17th April 2020, the grapes were 100% whole-bunch fermented in 1,000L open tops for up to 21 days and then pressed and aged in old barrels and clay amphora for 6 months prior to being bottled, unfined and unfiltered.