New Zealand

Carrick Winery

Central Otago

The world’s most southerly and New Zealand’s highest wine producing area. A combination of low rainfall, vast fluctuations of daily temperatures and silt loam soils rich in heavy mineral deposits and schists give the wines of Central Otago a world-renowned level of depth, purity and intensity allowing New Zealand to master the fickle mistress Pinot Noir, and Carrick is amongst the top names of the region.

The main vineyard is located in Bannockburn on the Cairnmuir terraces with the original plantings made in 1994 and extended in 1998. A mixture of gravels and sand, glistening with silica, it lies on a promontory bounded by Lake Dunstan and the Bannockburn inlet.

With viticulturist Blair Deaker, and ex-Felton Road winemaker Jane Docherty, Steve and Barbara Green have transformed Carrick from an expanse of wild thyme and briar roses into one of the most successful wineries in Bannockburn.

Stalwart environmentalists, Carrick are well on the way to organic certification, made visible by the steaming lines of biodynamic compost produced from skins, pips and stems of previous vintages, where you’ll find their rather sociable hens pecking about for worms.

Carrick’s Pinot style is richly coloured and highly fragrant, with a concentrated fruit palate of cherry and plum. But Central Otago is not just about Pinot. These cool climate vineyards also produce a Gold Medal winning Sauvignon; a spicy Pinot Gris with a lovely textured finish; a crisp, lemon dry Riesling, and a Burgundian-style Chardonnay.

Visit: www.carrick.co.nz