Nanny Goat Vineyard Winemaker Alan Peters-Oswald

1. What makes Pinot Noir a standout varietal in your region?

The vibrant fruit, the freshness of acidity, and the intensity of the colour are some obvious reasons, but the true reason Pinot Noir from Central Otago stands out is the way it can express its sense of place. We are a small region with so much diversity in our landscapes and sub-regions - no other variety expresses the nuanced subtleties of Central Otago quite like Pinot Noir.

2. Where in your winemaking journey did you learn the most, and from whom?

For me, winemaking is an ongoing evolution where I am continuously learning.

My early years as a cellar hand were a constant learning curve where the more I learned, the more there was to still learn, and I was fortunate enough to have some good mentors to guide me through those years while I learned the ropes. Tim Heath, who was one of the winemakers at Cloudy Bay at the time, taught me to trust and be guided by my senses and stand by the decisions they lead me to make, which is a central part of how I now make my wines. Some long days at the tasting bench blending Sauvignon Blanc with Kevin Judd and Tony Jordan around the same time also taught me a lot about my own palate and helped develop how I perceive and talk about wines.

3. What decisions in the vineyard or winery most influence your Pinot’s style?

I think deciding on the optimal time to pick each parcel of fruit is the biggest influencer in determining the style of our Pinot.

Finding the perfect balance of sugar, acid, tannin development and most crucially, flavour while working around the weather and other logistical restraints can be tricky at times but I am a firm believer that the best wines are created first and foremost in the vineyard – if I can nail the picking decision and bring in a parcel of fruit when it is at its peak it will have the biggest impact on the style it will become.

4. What food do you personally love pairing with this wine?

Keep it simple and casual – a mushroom risotto works perfectly with this wine any night of the week. The earthiness of the mushrooms works so well with the savoury aromatic nuances of the wine, while the vibrant palate balances the richness of the risotto. Bonus points if there are truffles involved.

5. What’s a winemaking moment or vintage you’re most proud of?

The 2020 vintage – it was tricky on so many different levels, but the wines that came from 2020 had an elegance and poise to them that I really love.

6. If someone’s new to Pinot Noir, what should they know before their first glass?

Pinot Noir can seem intimidating at first glance, but it doesn’t need to be. Have fun, try wines from as many different countries, producers and regions as you possibly can and you will be sure to find one that speaks to you.