Discover the complex flavours of Framingham Marlborough Pinot Noir. This elegant wine boasts a nose of smoked meats, cherry, and plum, with hints of spice and floral notes. The well-integrated tannins provide a balanced structure, perfect for savouring the flavours of red berry compote and plum combined with savoury and flinty undertones.

About the Producer

The Framingham label was launched in 1994 with one Riesling, and has since expanded to include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Framingham produces wines from their 19.5 hectare estate vineyard (certified organic since 2014) and other selected sites. Their Riesling vines, planted in 1981, are among the oldest in Marlborough. Andrew Brown joined Framingham as head winemaker in January 2020, replacing Dr Andrew Hedley, who resigned from his role after 18 years at the helm. A highly regarded winemaker, Brown previously spent seven years at Framingham as assistant winemaker and understudy to Andrew Hedley before working as consultant in regions including Oregon, Central Otago and Alsace. One of Brown's Rieslings won the Champion Riesling Trophy at the New Zealand International Wine Show in 2019; a fitting accolade from someone taking the reins at Framingham, who have always been renowned for their Rieslings.

Vineyard and Winery

This wine is a blend of six vineyard sites in the Wairau and Waihopai Valleys, featuring a mixture of seven different Pinot Noir clones. The majority (81%) of the fruit comes from the clay soils of the Southern Valleys sub-region, while the remainder is sourced from the gravelly soils around the winery in Renwick. All of the vineyards are trained using the double-cordon Guyot system. The vines are up to 25 years old.

Each parcel was hand picked and vinified separately with indigenous yeast. Whole bunches (15% overall) were used on a batch by batch basis to add subtle savoury characteristics. After spending an average of 21 days on their skins, each batch was aged for 10 months in French oak barriques, 20% of which were new. After maturation, the selected wines were blended and bottled, unfined and unfiltered.