Escarpment Winery: A Success Story from Martinborough
Foundation and Development
Escarpment Winery was founded in 1999 by New Zealand winemaker Larry McKenna and his wife Sue, together with the Australian couple Robert and Mem Kirby. The Kirbys are also the owners of the renowned Yabby Lake winery in the Mornington Peninsula, Australia. The aim was to produce wines that reflect the unique terroir of Martinborough and set international standards.
The minds behind Escarpment: Larry McKenna, often referred to as the "Prince of Pinot," was the face of Escarpment for over two decades. His passion and expertise have significantly contributed to the development of the winery. In 2019, Escarpment was sold to the Australian winery Torbreck. Since then, Tim Bourne has continued the tradition as head winemaker, supported by viticulturist Rowan Hoskins.
The Philosophy of Escarpment Winery
Escarpment follows a clear philosophy: wines should reflect the terroir and be produced with minimal intervention. Sustainability, quality, and respect for nature are at the forefront. Since 2019, the vineyards have been certified organic, confirming the use of ecological farming methods.
Martinborough: A Unique Wine Region
Geographical Location and Climate
Martinborough is located in the Wairarapa region on New Zealand's North Island. The climate is cool with mild summers, ideal for growing Pinot Noir. The region benefits from long hours of sunshine and cool nights, leading to a slow ripening of the grapes.
Soil Composition
The vineyards of Escarpment are situated on the Martinborough Terrace, a formation of alluvial soils created over 20,000 years ago by the Huangarua River. These soils consist of clay layers over deep gravel strata, providing excellent drainage and heat retention.
Preferred Grape Varieties
Due to the climate and soil composition, the following grape varieties thrive particularly well in Martinborough:
- Pinot Noir
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Gris
- Pinot Blanc
- Riesling
The Vineyards of Escarpment
Escarpment manages several vineyards, including:
- Kupe Vineyard: Named after the Polynesian explorer Kupe, this vineyard is located on Te Muna Road and provides grapes for the Pinot Noir of the same name.
- Kiwa Vineyard: Another single vineyard known for its complex Pinots Noirs.
- Te Rehua Vineyard: This vineyard produces wines with deep structure and elegance.
- Pahi Vineyard: Here, wines with particular finesse and expressiveness are made.
Grape Varieties and Winemaking
Grape Varieties
Escarpment focuses on the following grape varieties:
- Pinot Noir
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Gris
- Pinot Blanc
- Riesling
Winemaking
The winemaking at Escarpment aims to preserve the characteristics of the terroir. Both stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels are used. Fermentation takes place with natural yeasts, and aging varies depending on the wine and vintage.
Stylistics and Wine Lines
The wines of Escarpment are characterized by elegance, complexity, and depth. Notable highlights include:
- Kupe Pinot Noir: An iconic wine from Escarpment. It is made from old Dijon clones and is aged exclusively in French barriques. Elegant, powerful, with deep structure and long aging potential.
- Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs: Wines like "Te Rehua," "Kiwa," and "Pahi" impressively reflect the respective microclimate and terroir of the site.
- The Escarpment Pinot Noir: The winery's "Signature" Pinot Noir – a cuvée from various sites that combines complexity, accessibility, and aging potential.
- Chardonnay and White Varieties: Stylistically characterized by freshness, finesse, and balance. The Chardonnays show a fine oak influence and Burgundian style. Pinot Gris impresses with texture and creaminess, while Riesling and Pinot Blanc shine with clarity and minerality.
Ratings & Awards: International Recognition for Escarpment Winery
Escarpment Winery is internationally recognized and has received numerous awards. The Pinot Noirs are among the best in New Zealand. Here are some of the noteworthy ratings:
- Kupe Pinot Noir 2020 – 96 points (Bob Campbell MW)
- Kiwa Pinot Noir 2020 – 95 points (James Suckling)
- Te Rehua Pinot Noir 2020 – 95 points (The Real Review)
- Escarpment Pinot Gris 2022 – 93 points (Wine Orbit)
- Escarpment Chardonnay 2021 – 94 points (Cameron Douglas MS)
More information about Escarpment Winery
| Address | |
|---|---|
| Street: | 275 Te Muna Road |
| City: | 5784 Martinborough |
| Country: | NZ |
| Continent: | Ozeanien |
| Company | |
| Year of Incorporation: | 1999 |
| Managing Director: | Rowan Hoskins und Tim Bourne |
| Wine | |
| Vineyard Area: | 24 Hektar |
