2025 Light Dry Red

Halite Light Dry Red 2025
A light, dry red by name yet layered with depth, freshness and refined structure. Equal parts Pinot Noir and Sangiovese, sourced from cool-vine sites that allow early morning mists and brisk nights - ideal for preserving delicate aromatics and fine structure. Perfect with a chill.

Vineyard

The Pinot Noir comes from the biogro certified Grava vineyard, farmed by Alistair and Karla on the dry river flats, 8km south of Martinborough. The vines are grown on the terraces of the Ruamahanga river providing alluvial deposits making silt loam soils.

The Sangiovese comes from the biogro certified Osawa Vineyard in the Mangatahi subregion of Hawkes Bay. Mangatahi is situated on the southern alluvial river terraces of the Ngaruroro river. The soils are sandy loam over alluvial gravels with ferrous content (‘red metals’).

Winemaking

Hand-picked, destemmed to fermenter and inoculated with a pied de cuve (vineyard starter). The Sangiovese spent three days on skins for a partial carbonic fermentation and finished ferment in stainless steel.

The Pinot Noir (all abel clone) had one gentle plunge a day (if needed) and was pressed off skins once the balance of tannin-fruit was there, it then matured in seasoned oak before being blended with the Sangiovese.

Tasting Notes

Aromas of cherry, raspberry, wild thyme flowers and star anise. Bright and expressive on the palate, it shows both fresh and savoury red fruits, pomegranate and a touch of florals. The fruit and floral vibrancy is countered by delicate and slightly gravelly tannins with a subtle savoury edge. Looks great with a chill.

Unfined. Unfiltered. Vegan friendly. May through harmless deposit in bottle.