Ata Rangi

Meaning ‘dawn sky’ or ‘new beginning’ in Te Reo Maori, Ata Rangi’s name is rather apt. For when Clive Paton first planted vines here in 1980 there was nothing to see for miles around but sheep fields.

It’s fair to say that Clive’s gamble paid off. Martinborough is, for many observers, the best Pinot Noir region in New Zealand – with Ata Rangi its high priest of style (though the winery also makes excellent Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Gris). Key to the region are the Rimataka Hills to the west – which absorb vast amounts of rain, leaving the vineyards windy but mostly dry – and the deep gravel soils, which add a crunchy, savoury brightness to Ata Rangi’s wines. Judicious use of whole-bunch ferments (including the stems) adds further texture and spice to the Pinot Noirs. Serious, savoury and long-lived, they are justly acclaimed by Pinot lovers the world over.

Biodiversity has been a big factor here since the start and Ata Rangi’s vineyards have been certified organic for over ten years. What started as a new beginning is now a virtuous cycle of renewal.