This month we are visiting Tapi wines in Marlborough, one of three labels by Altschwager Kenneally who are creating small-batch and big-hearted wines, both here and over the ditch in Australia.

They produce distinctly regional wines, with flavours that reflect and respect the fruits’ origins, their wines are produced in the area around New Zealand’s Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku in Marlborough, and across the sea in Australia’s renowned southern wine regions: McLaren Vale and Mt Gambier in South Australia.

THE PEOPLE

Their story started as two couples who became good mates while living and working in Marlborough, New Zealand. What brought them together in business was a shared goal to raise the standard of winemaking.

Ten years, a cross-Tasman relocation, four kids, two dogs, a couple of chooks and plenty of chaos later, they’re grateful to be doing what they love and making wines that they believe in.

They are experienced winemakers who create high-quality, big-hearted wines that have a place at everyone’s table. They place sustainable viticulture and small-batch production at the heart of their business, because in order for us all to live well, we must respect the land.

Their wines embody distinctly regional flavours, spanning from the peak of New Zealand’s Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku, across the sea to the rugged coasts and sunny skies of Australia’s southern wine regions.

“From our table to yours, surround yourself with good wine, good food, and good company.”

THE PLACE

TAPI – Marlborough’s Tallest Mountain

Named after Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku, meaning the ‘footprint of the rainbow’. Mount Tapi (tap-ee), as the locals call it, rises high above the famous Marlborough wine region. The label is inspired by the rainbow that forms over the mountain every time is rains.

Bitingly cold winters, frosty springs, crisp autumns and balmy summers, enriched with steady rainfall, have made it famous for Sauvignon Blanc. In addition to the area’s most recognisable drop, its highly fertile alluvial soil has also helped establish a reputation for producing world-class Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.

The region’s main valleys, Wairau and Awatere, are bordered by the Richmond Ranges and Wither Hills, creating valleys of vineyards enveloped by dramatic mountain ranges, lush forests and turquoise oceans.

The Tapi Sauvignon Blanc was their first offering and is still a mainstay in their stable, representing the purest of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc expression. The Sauvignon Blanc is joined by a Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rose and Pinot Gris.

Tapi is sourced from 7 vineyards in the Wairau Valley from the North Bank and Central Wairau Rapaura sub-regions. Two are family-owned vineyards of Gus & Swan Altschwager, and the other is a long-term grower’s vineyard.

Kaituna Vineyard (f), Spring Creek Vineyard (f), Yarrum Vineyard (g), Westview Vineyard (g), Windrush Vineyard (g), Ashmore Vineyard (g) and the Grovetown Vineyard (g) (f = family vineyard) (g = grower vineyard)

Family owned in Marlborough, the team are hands-on and passionate about sustainable viticulture – they use small-batch production, the wines are minimally handled to respect the terroir and vegan friendly. Tapi are also Certified Sustainable for all markets.

THE WINES

Tap Wines – A bright and memorable drop, named after the imperial Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku, the ‘footprint of the rainbow’. Here in the South Pacific Ocean, Mt Tapi, as the locals call it, is a beacon that rises above the famous Marlborough wine region.

This snowy-topped peak is at the heart of the Altschwager Kenneally story, where the vision for their company began and where their first grapes were picked. The Wairau Valley vineyard beneath the mountain is home to true cool-climate viticulture and winemaking, and half of the Altschwager Kenneally team. Tapi’s fruit comes from several hand-picked, organically-certified blocks throughout the Marlborough Valley.

Tapi Pinot Noir
Clone 115, 777, 10/5, 15-year-old vines, clay soil, cane pruned. 72-hour cold soak, 10% whole bunch, 10-day ferment, 50% new oak (French), 1 year aged in oak. Aroma – Cherry, liquorice, oak, spice. Palate – Dark cherry, ripe strawberry, oak, five-spice, chalky tannin, balanced acid.

Tapi Pinot Gris
10-year-old vines, greywacke soil, cane pruned. Machine picked, pressed off skins, cold settled, fermented cool for 15 days.
Aroma – Fresh pear, white peach and toasted almond. Palate – Quince, pear, rock melon, crisp acid.

Tapi Sauvignon Blanc
10-year-old vines, greywacke soil, cane pruned. Machine picked, pressed off skins, cold settled, fermented cool for 15 days.
Aroma – Passion-fruit, gooseberry, green capsicum. Palate – Passion-fruit, lemon, grapefruit, zingy acid.

Tapi Chardonnay
Clone 95, 15-year-old vines, deep Wairau valley silt over greywacke soil, arch-cane pruned, higher density planting 3703 vines per hectare. Handpicked at optimal ripeness, whole bunch pressed, barrel fermented on full juice solids, 100% malolactic fermentation, 10% new oak, 1 year lees aged in oak barriques. Aroma – Lemon, white peach, red apple, pear, nectarine. Palate – Lemon, red apple, apricot, flint, toasty oak, good acid length.

Tapi Rosé
Clone SY-1654, 15-year-old vines, deep Wairau valley silt over greywacke soil, cane pruned. Estate-grown Syrah was cold-soaked before pressing the brightly coloured juice off the grape skins. The juice was fermented cool using selected aromatic yeast. The wine then sat on fine lees before being bottled early to capture aromatics and vibrancy. Aroma – Watermelon, strawberry and white peach. Palate –
Ripe watermelon and fresh berry fruits.

Tititea – Central Otago Pinot Noir
The grapes are grown in an Upper Bendigo vineyard, 350 meters in altitude. Terroir and growing conditions. Due to its position in the rain shadow of the Southern Alps, the region has a semi-arid climate. Temperatures in mid-summer can reach as high as 35°C (95°F). 20% whole bunch clusters in the fermentation provide a unique flavour profile, with extra depth and length on the palate. 100% matured in French Oak barriques, 28% new oak. Matured for 12 months prior to bottling. Aromas of dark cherry and oak, accompanied by spicy notes. Palate – Good natural acidity drives a long and complex aftertaste.

For more information and to purchase wine visit:
https://www.akwines.net/tapi

JB’s REVIEWS

Tapi Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Pale straw in colour with soft green / gold hues. Fresh enticing nose of tropical fruit, lemon & lime citrus aromas & a subtle current leaf / green herb note. Ripe lemon citrus, tropical passion-fruit, guava & pineapple flavours on the palate, a zesty acidity & medium length with a nice off-dry juicy finish. Delicious! (tasted in 2023)

Tapi Wines Pinot Gris 2023
Pale straw in colour with green-gold hues, medium viscosity. Sweet, aromatic nose of ripe pears, red apple, lemon & spice notes. On the palate, juicy pear & tropical fruit flavours, light ‘pear-skin’ texture & a crisp citrus acidity add depth, subtle lees & spice notes follow – long off-dry tasty finish. Tasty!

Tapi Wines Chardonnay 2023, Marlborough NZ
Pale gold in colour with soft green hues, medium viscosity / legs. In the nose, a hint of smoke / flint, then ripe peach, apple & citrus aromas, nutty, vanilla oak & malo notes too. Love the weight & depth on the palate, ripe stone-fruit, zesty grapefruit acidity, it’s creamy & nutty with layers of texture & complexity. Concentrated, refreshing & juicy finish – excellent! (Remember ABC – Always Buy Chardonnay)

A & K Wines, Tapi ‘Cuvée Brut’ NV, Marlborough NZ
Clear pale green/gold in colour, light mousse on pouring. Aromas of stone-fruit, crisp apples & lemon citrus in the nose, nutty, vanilla notes follow. A bright effervescence on the palate, with peach, nectarine & grapefruit flavours, a light creamy / leesy mouthfeel, crisp acidity & a long dry fruity finish. Delicious & refreshing. A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay made in the Charmat Method.