Harvest Bounty at Ataahua

Harvest bounty at Ataahua

Boutique Waipara vineyard Ataahua is reporting a wonderful harvest this season, with all fruit picked, and wine resting in barrel and tank.

Ataahua winemaker/proprietor Stephanie Henderson-Grant is particularly excited by the late season harvest of raisined Gewurztraminer fruit, destined to be bottled as dessert wine. “What gorgeous juice! It was so incredibly sweet, like liquid honey. It’s fermenting quietly now for release later in the year.”

Ataahua’s winemaking philosophy focuses on the gentle harvesting of fine fruit, minimal handling and the utmost care in the winery – allowing the wine to develop naturally.

Four delicious 2010 white wines from Ataauhua are currently available for sale through the website (www.ataahuawine.co.nz) or select retail outlets including the Pukeko Junction regional wine store. These are:

2010 Ataahua Gewurztraminer: with aromas of lychees, spice and rose petals. Wonderful match to seafood and Asian spiced meals.

2010 Ataahua Riesling: bursting with ripe citrus, crisp apple and subtle hints of spice. Drink chilled anytime.

2010 Ataahua Sauvignon Blanc: the ripe fruit is fermented slowly in well seasoned oak barrels, giving a rich complex style.

2010 Ataahua Chardonnay: rich and full bodied, this wine has been fully fermented in French Oak barriques. Perfect served with crayfish and scallops.

The available reds include a wonderfully elegant 2009 Ataahua Pinot Noir and the 2009 Ataahua Merlot with concentrated ripe plum characters, great for winter.

Wine tasting of these delicious wines, including warm mulled wine, takes place at the Ohoka Farmers Market every Friday morning, 9am to 12.30pm. Private wine tasting is available by appointment only.

Order online at www.ataahuawine.co.nz