Despite their small scale, Marlborough's Colere has grown to become one of the most acclaimed natural wine producers in New Zealand. A self-described 'micro-negociant' - fruit is sourced from select organic and biodynamically farmed vineyards, and the resultant wines are distinct, terroir-driven, and full of personality. We're thrilled to have a  selection of their best wines now available in limited numbers!

The 2022 Chenin Blanc, made with fruit sourced from the Wrekin Vineyard, is bright and aromatic, with textbook apple, quince and honey. It's complex while remaining immediately enjoyable, expertly balancing zippy acidity, smoky, reductive complexity, and a touch of phenolic bitterness.

Probably as close to a Grand Cru as Marlborough vineyards get, The Wrekin Vineyard in Marlborough’s Southern Valleys is high and north-facing with ancient clay soils over greywacke, quite distinct from the loess-dominated valley floor. Planted in 2002 and now certified BioGro organic and biodynamically farmed, The Wrekin is known for producing fruit with concentration, natural acidity and strong site expression.

Fruit is drawn from multiple aspects of the Wrekin's Chenin block, bunches sorted by their exposure to morning, mid-day or afternoon sun. Twenty-five percent of the fruit is whole bunch, foot-stomped in the vineyard and left briefly on skins and stems before being poured over the remaining whole bunches for pressing. The heads and tails of the press are fermented in stainless steel, while the heart of the press goes to old neutral oak puncheon, a split intended to build phenolic shape without overt oak influence. The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation and spends 18 months on fine lees before bottling unfined and unfiltered, with minimal sulphur.

Tasting Notes:

Aromatic and inviting, showing apple skin, quince and ripe pear alongside floral notes, hay and subtle lees-derived savouriness. On the palate the wine is fleshy yet precise, with flavours of yellow apple, peach and citrus carried by bright acidity and a distinct mineral line. Lees ageing contributes a creamy, mouth-coating texture, while gentle phenolics bring grip through the mid-palate and into a long, dry finish, edged with grapefruit pith and light smoky reduction. 

Vegan friendly