Ata Rangi - Crimson Pinot Noir

Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir

Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir is the young, energetic brother of the iconic Ata Rangi Pinot Noir, made from Pinot Noir vines aged between 5 and 20 years on the Martinborough Terrace. A portion of the proceeds goes to Project Crimson, which protects and replants red-flowered pōhutukawa and rātā trees in New Zealand . What makes Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir so special? This Martinborough Pinot Noir combines vibrant red fruit and refined spices with a serious structure, while simultaneously supporting a conservation project.

Vineyards and region

The grapes come from Martinborough, in the Wairarapa region on the southern tip of New Zealand's North Island, from various plots on the classic Martinborough Terrace. These ancient river terraces consist of deep gravel layers covered by a thin layer of alluvial loam, resulting in extremely well-draining soils and concentrated, aromatic Pinot Noir. The vines for Crimson were deliberately selected from younger plantings in the company's own vineyards, aged between approximately 5 and 20 years, so that in the glass you get that combination of pure fruit expression and growing complexity. Martinborough's cool, windy climate keeps the berries small and provides fresh acidity, while sunny days allow the grapes to fully ripen. Ata Rangi was founded in 1980 by Clive Paton on what was then a barren, stony plot of land and has become one of the pioneers and benchmarks for Pinot Noir in this region.

Vinification and maturation

The Pinot Noir for Crimson is harvested entirely by hand and brought to the cellar in small crates, where the bunches are rigorously selected. The majority of the harvest is destemmed, with a small portion of whole bunches for added tension and spice, after which the grapes are macerated for several days at a low temperature to gently extract color and aromas. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in open stainless steel tanks, with manual plunging of the skins for maximum control without over-extracting the fruit. The wine is then aged for approximately 12 months in French oak barrels, only a small portion of which are new, so that the oak influence supports the wine but never overpowers it. The winemaking philosophy is deliberately hands-off and traditional, just like with the great Ata Rangi Pinot Noir, with the aim of achieving the most honest possible expression of Martinborough in the glass.

Grape composition

Pinot Noir – Martinborough Terrace
Crimson is a pure Pinot Noir from Martinborough, where fruit from several younger plots on the gravel terraces is blended into one characterful red wine that is both accessible and serious.

Tasting notes and serving suggestions

In the glass, it reveals a clear, medium ruby red color with an almost transparent rim. The nose reveals a refined bouquet of rose petals, raspberry, wild strawberry, and pomegranate, complemented by spicy notes of cardamom and ginger and savory hints reminiscent of manuka smoke, prosciutto, thyme, and rosemary. The palate is smooth and open with juicy notes of raspberry compote, cherry, and rhubarb, supported by orange zest, fine tannins, and a lively freshness that gives the wine length and tension. Serve Crimson preferably around 14°C, slightly chilled, to best enhance its delicate aromas. At the table, it feels at home with dishes featuring duck or slow-cooked pork, with mushroom risotto, grilled salmon or tuna, and with soft, creamy cheeses, where its refined structure and fresh acidity cut beautifully.