NZ
Australia
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95 Points
Ata Rangi was founded by Clive Paton in 1980 on a 5-ha plot, planting the now-famous Abel clone.
Small parcel Chenin Blanc inspired by the Loire, from bush vines planted in 1989.
Fermented with indigenous yeast in stainless and old barrels; Aged on lees for 6 months for texture.
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Description
The Ata Rangi Chenin Blanc 2024 is a small-production release from Martinborough, where the Loire Valley's signature white variety remains rare in New Zealand with less than 20 hectares planted. Sourced from free-draining alluvial soils on the Martinborough Terrace, the fruit was hand-harvested and gently pressed, with fermentation carried out at cool temperatures in stainless steel to preserve aromatic precision. A period of lees contact has added texture and subtle complexity without masking the variety's purity. The wine opens with finely etched aromas of pink grapefruit, yellow apple and lemon zest, evolving with hints of fennel seed, white cardamom and a subtle waxy note typical of Chenin Blanc. The palate is taut and vibrant, combining citrus drive and stone-fruit weight with a saline mineral thread and delicate phenolic grip. Silky yet structured, it finishes long and persistent, balancing freshness with depth. Enjoy it well chilled in youth for its energy and tension, or cellar for five to eight years to reveal added layers of honeyed complexity and texture.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Aroma:Apple, Grapefruit, Lemon
Palate:Citrus Zest, Honeysuckle, Stonefruit
Food Pairings:
Cheese
Fish
Poultry
Shellfish
Description
The Ata Rangi Chenin Blanc 2024 is a small-production release from Martinborough, where the Loire Valley's signature white variety remains rare in New Zealand with less than 20 hectares planted. Sourced from free-draining alluvial soils on the Martinborough Terrace, the fruit was hand-harvested and gently pressed, with fermentation carried out at cool temperatures in stainless steel to preserve aromatic precision. A period of lees contact has added texture and subtle complexity without masking the variety's purity. The wine opens with finely etched aromas of pink grapefruit, yellow apple and lemon zest, evolving with hints of fennel seed, white cardamom and a subtle waxy note typical of Chenin Blanc. The palate is taut and vibrant, combining citrus drive and stone-fruit weight with a saline mineral thread and delicate phenolic grip. Silky yet structured, it finishes long and persistent, balancing freshness with depth. Enjoy it well chilled in youth for its energy and tension, or cellar for five to eight years to reveal added layers of honeyed complexity and texture.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Aroma:
Apple, Grapefruit, Lemon
Palate:
Citrus Zest, Honeysuckle, Stonefruit
Food Pairings:
Cheese
Fish
Poultry
Shellfish
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Apple, Grapefruit, Lemon
Citrus Zest, Honeysuckle, Stonefruit
Cheese
Fish
Poultry
Shellfish