Peregrine's quest for outstanding Central Otago wine begins in the three distinct sub-regions from which we draw our fruit: Bendigo, Pisa and Gibbston, where our landmark winery rises up amongst rugged rock reefs and ancient hills.
In each of these locations, our commitment to organic farming and viticulture guarantees fruit of the highest quality, imparting the clearest expression of character to every vintage.
Time and space
The vintner's art lies in capturing the essence of a place and time. Beginning with the vine itself, we believe the land speaks more clearly, the closer we listen.
Peregrine's viticulture philosophy is grounded in working with the plants' myriad natural systems and their relationships to the environment in order to produce exceptional fruit.
We encourage deeper rooting by not feeding vines synthetic fertilisers at the surface. This approach strengthens drought tolerance and preserves soil quality, while increasing root area, in turn lifting the influence of soil on fruit flavour. Compost carefully brewed from surrounding ingredients, including pomace and manure from animals grazing on-site, nourishes the soil through an efficient natural cycle. Partnering with sustainable fruit growers, Peregrine seeks out suppliers who understand the connection between great wine and nurturing the land that provides it.
These are just a few of the ways we tap into the true character of each sub-region.
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The hottest and driest of our Central Otago sub-regions, Bendigo's largely Molyneaux soils vary with pockets of deep loam on gently sloping lower sites, rising to an elevated plateau approximately 350m above sea level.
Our estate vineyards were first planted in 1999 with Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Riesling on various rootstocks, while Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc have recently been introduced with great success. Offering perfect climatic conditions and a soil base that responds positively to our organic regime, the Bendigo sub-region produces extremely high quality fruit and is gaining a prestigious reputation.
Pinot Noir fruit from this area typically offer pronounced dark fruit profiles with boysenberry and bilberry flavours over a strong tannin structure.
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The coolest of Peregrine's sub-regions, our Gibbston vineyards are perched on terraces overlooking the Kawarau River, roughly 400m above sea level. First planted in 1998, these vines are largely own-rooted, while the high altitude brings a shortened growing season, focused on maximum ripeness for the Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay fruit.
Home to some of Central Otago's first commercial vines, the area's schist alluvial loams have a naturally higher organic content. Lying over deep gravel beds, the site offers natural water retention and greater rainfall due to the narrow valley's micro-climate, while the steep slopes avoid frost and allow a focus on capturing sunshine.
Gibbston's Pinot Noir grapes are focused on red fruit flavours - raspberry, redcurrant, strawberries with a spicy profile and a finesse that comes from protracted ripening.
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Over largely flat terrain that also takes in Lowburn, the Pisa area offers a warm, steady climate for growing outstanding Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. While careful protection is required against spring frosts, the long summer provides extended ripening to achieve beautiful balance in the fruit.
Light stony soils predominate, but vary to clay and gravel in this early-ripening, semi-arid district, where high undulating terraces and moraines blend into gently sloping fans. As a result, a variety of clones and root stocks have been planted over these old river and lake beds.
Pinot Noir grapes from the Pisa region offer dark fruit profiles - plum, cherry and dense fruit favours.
For delivery in NZ
Enjoy quarterly deliveries of our exceptional wines, hand selected by our Peregrine Team, from our hands to yours.