Collaborative winemaking for Hospice cause
Two top Martinborough winemakers are behind an innovative fund-raiser for Hospice Wairarapa: collaborating to create limited edition magnums of unique sub-regional wine blends.
Larry McKenna (Escarpment Vineyard) produced a Te Muna Road Martinborough Pinot Noir, assembling ‘juice’ from seven Te Muna producers, while Martinborough Vineyards Paul Mason pulled together seven Martinborough vineyards to create “a typical Martinborough Chardonnay”.
The set of four premium magnums, dramatically branded for Hospice Wairarapa, are being bottled by Martinborough Winemakers Services.
Christine Kernohan gathered Gladstone’s Pinot Noir and Jane Cooper was responsible for the Masterton Pinot Noir.
“The idea is inspired by Burgundy, where the local wine industry has supported the hospice movement for over 500 years,” said co-ordinating winemaker Larry McKenna.
“No-one has produced collaborative wines like this before locally, and we were all excited about the opportunity. This is the pick of the 2011 vintage, and will age gracefully for five years plus, we believe. It’s fascinating to taste the subtle sub-regional variations”.
There are only 100 magnum sets, on a ‘first in first served’ basis, which will be available in July.
Stylishly presented in wooden boxes and dramatically branded, the set is the equivalent of eight bottles of the region’s top wines, for $495. Register on www.hospicewairarapa.co.nz; delivery is free within urban Wairarapa.
“Hospice Wairarapa is a free regional service for those with any kind of terminal illness, totally self-funded. In celebrating the region’s fine wine, the wine industry supports the Hospice and its goal of making every day count,” he concluded.
Photo caption: Co-ordinating winemaker Larry McKenna supervised the bottling of branded Hospice Wairarapa wine magnums, at Martinborough Winemaker Services. (Photo courtesy Jeff barber of Pond Paddock)
