Burn Cottage Moonlight Race Pinot Noir

Burn Cottage is a biodynamic estate in Central Otago, New Zealand’s southernmost wine region, founded in 2002 by Marquis and Dianne Sauvage. The vineyards lie on gently sloping terraces of schist, clay and gravel soils, benefiting from wide diurnal temperature swings that preserve natural acidity and flavour concentration. Moonlight Race draws on fruit from Burn Cottage’s own vineyards in Lowburn and from neighbouring sites in Bannockburn, planted to a mix of Pinot Noir clones to enhance complexity and balance.

The grapes for the Moonlight Race Pinot Noir are hand harvested and fermented with around 7% whole clusters and indigenous yeasts before gentle extraction. After fermentation the wine was matured for about 11-12 months in French oak barrels, including a portion of new oak, to refine structure without overwhelming the fruit. It displays vivid red cherry, plum, spice and subtle earthy notes with fine, supple tannins and bright acidity. Pair with roast duck, lamb with rosemary, or mushroom risotto for a classic match.