Nestled in the beautiful Ohiti valley in western Hawkes Bay, Kokako Farms provides some of the best chardonnay and syrah growing conditions in New Zealand. a unique micro-climate and terroir protects the natural acidity of their chardonnays.
Sitting on the left bank of the Ngaruroro river, the vineyard also benefits from the famed Hawkes Bay river gravels, which help deliver the rich, full base notes of our syrah. Their wines reflect the warmth of great company, the integrity of the land, viticulture excellence and a myriad of regional flavours.
With the first vines planted in 2000, today Kokako Farms vineyards cover 110 hectares of amazing viticultural soils – river gravels in varying depths. Boutique by design, the Kokako vintages showcase their Place, viticultural Practices, and the People who grow the grapes. The majority of each harvest is supplied as fruit to several of New Zealand’s most acclaimed wine producers.
Kokako Farms operates on Biological and sustainable farming practices. This foundation is based on a comprehensive approach to farming and viticulture that aims to reduce chemical reliance whilst growing food of the highest nutrient densities. Their wines reflect this healthy, vibrant approach.
Visit the Kokako Farms website for more information and to purchase wines – https://kokakofarms.co.nz
Featured Wine Review – Kokako Farms Uccello Sparkling Arneis
Arneis is an Italian grape variety so this new release needed an Italian name! Uccello (uc?cèl?lo) meaning bird. In this case the North Island Kokako. This cuvée is fresh and lively, with aromas of citrus blossom, and hints of lemon grass. The perfect aperitif and celebration wine.
Wine-maker’s Notes: Base wine picked at 18.5 Brix, very light press, cut off at 500lts per tonne. Stainless ferment with introduced aromatic yeast. Aged on lees post ferment, stirring in tank. Just short of five months on lees then secondary ferment via Charmat process (tank pressure fermentation), looking for 9.6g/litre C02, and 7.2 g/l RS – Bottled under pressure in August 2023.
JB’s Tasting Notes:
Kokako Farms Uccello Brut Sparkling Arneis Ohiti Valley NV Hawke’s Bay NZ
Tasted lightly chilled – Medium lemon-gold in colour, creamy mouse on pouring, persistent tiny bead. Fresh floral nose with aromas of apples, pears, citrus & honey note. A crisp acidity on the palate is followed by fresh fruity flavours reflecting the nose; green apple, pear, & a little honey sweetness on the long, crisp, bone-dry finish. This is a delightful, very drinkable cuvée made from one of the rarer grape varieties planted in NZ. This sparkling Arneis is a first in New Zealand and I would highly recommended it as an aperitif, for celebrations or just for summer sipping. Excellent value to at just RRP: $25.00
