NEW ZEALAND: BOTTLED
Our Story
Neil Empson and his wife, Maria Empson, had always shared a passion for wine; so when they were looking for a new venture in winemaking it only made sense that they looked to Neil’s homeland of New Zealand.
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The winery, they found, sits outside central Christchurch. The area is protected by the Teviotdale hills which shield the area from the winds off the Pacific Ocean. Instead, warm winds from the northwest create a microclimate with one of the longest growing seasons in New Zealand.
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Along with the winery, Neil and Maria had met Brent Rawstron and Alan McCorkindale who partnered with them as the winemakers.
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The line is comprised of three wines. The first is a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that exemplifies the regions now famous harmony between vibrant mineral, flinty elements and rich tropical nuances. The second wine is a fruit-forward Pinot Noir from a single-vineyard located in Canterbury where the microclimate is well-suited for producing wines with balance and finesse.
OUR PEOPLE
A shared passion for wine
NEIL &Â MARIA EMPSON
Owners
Neil Empson and his wife, Maria Empson, had always shared a passion for wine; so when they were looking for a new venture in winemaking it only made sense that they looked to Neil’s homeland of New Zealand.
BRENT & SHIRLEY RAWSTRON
Winemakers
Brent and Shirley graduated from Lincoln University with a Diploma in Viticulture and Winemaking. Both Shirley and Brent were also awarded the South Island Farmer of the Year, with Excellence in Innovation. The family take a long-view to business and preserving the land. Both Shirley and Brent believe they are stewards of the land, and guardians of its future.
ALAN MCCORKINDALE
Winemaker
Alan is widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading winemakers with 40+ years experience, including in Burgundy, Champagne, Alsace, the Rheingau, Hunter Valley and Tasmania. He has a long list of trophy successes in the Air New Zealand Wine Awards and the International Wine Challenge in London.
OUR WINES
New Zealand Bottled
SAUVIGNON BLANC
2024
This wine offers a vibrant bouquet of ripe tropical fruits, including passion fruit and pineapple, intertwined with zesty citrus notes of grapefruit and lime. The palate is crisp and refreshing, showcasing flavors of juicy kiwi and green apple, complemented by hints of freshly cut grass and a distinct minerality. Lively acidity provides a balanced structure, leading to a clean, lingering finish with a touch of gooseberry.​
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GRAPES
100% Sauvignon Blanc
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REGION
Marlborough
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FORMAT SIZES
750mL | 1.5L Pouch | 9L Torr
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FOOD PAIRINGS
Pair with grilled fish, mixed salads, fresh spring vegetables, shellfish and prawns.
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SERVING TEMP
45-55º F or 7-13º C
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PINOT NOIR
2024
Aromatic and elegant, this wine opens with vibrant red berry and cherry notes, complemented by hints of earthy forest floor and subtle spice. Silky tannins lead to a lingering finish, showcasing its New Zealand terroir with finesse. Ideal for pairing with roasted poultry or grilled salmon.
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GRAPES
100% Pinot Noir
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REGION
Canterbury
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FORMAT SIZES
750mL
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OAKED CHARDONNAY
2024
This elegant Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay presents a rich, full-bodied flavour profile with notes of ripe peach, nectarine and citrus, complemented by vanilla and subtle spice from the oak. The oak influence adds depth and complexity without overpowering the fruit’s natural character, resulting in a creamy texture balanced by fresh acidity.​
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GRAPES
100% Chardonnay
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REGION
Hawke’s Bay
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FORMAT SIZES
750mL
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FOOD PAIRINGS
Served chilled, this wine is an ideal accompaniment with poultry or risotto.​
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OUR REGIONS
MARLBOROUGH
Marlborough put New Zealand on the international wine stage with its exquisite Sauvignon Blanc in the 1980s. Over 20,000ha of vines (around 2/3 of the national total) are under the care of local wine producers, making it the country's largest wine region. Marlborough wineries offer a huge range of varieties, from exquisite Pinot Noir to intense Chardonnay, and vivacious aromatics. The diverse soils and meso-climates are revealing exciting new sub-regions, and it is within these unique sub-regions that Marlborough’s future lies.
CANTERBURY
The Canterbury wine region spans nearly 200km of the South Island’s eastern coastline, with the magnificent Alps to the west and the sweeping Pacific Ocean to the east. The cool, dry climate with good sunshine and long growing season promote full varietal expression; wines are renowned for their intense flavours, richness and complex fruit. Exploration of new subregions is further cementing the region’s overall reputation for elegant, expressive Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Aromatics in particular, though numerous other varieties are planted with excellent results.
HAWKE'S BAY
The Hawke’s Bay wine region stretches along the North Island’s eastern coast, framed by mountain ranges to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. A warm, temperate climate with abundant sunshine and diverse soils fosters full varietal expression; wines are celebrated for their depth, balance and complexity. Exploration of distinctive subregions is further cementing the region’s reputation for elegant Syrah, Bordeaux-style reds and Chardonnay in particular, though a wide array of other varieties also flourish with outstanding results.
CONTACT
100 Old Taitapu Road, Kennedys Bush, Christchurch, New Zealand
