Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
Beautiful wine comes from a beautiful place. Mt. Beautiful wines are the expression of the wild, rugged and breathtakingly scenic region of North Canterbury. Certified-sustainable and estate-grown, these distinctively restrained wines let the pure terroir shine through. Only eleven kilometers from the ocean, the vineyards are protected from harsh sea winds by their benevolent namesake, Mt. Beautiful. World-renowned scholar/entrepreneur and New Zealand native David Teece, spent two years searching for just this spot, where he could pioneer an undiscovered region and fulfill his dream of bringing the best of New Zealand to the world. In addition to winemaking, Mt. Beautiful operates three farms that produce wool for the Smartwool market, beef for the Japan market and lamb for the U.S. market. The Mt. Beautiful Two Rivers Café and Wine Tasting Room is located in central Cheviot where locals and travellers alike can enjoy a diverse menu featuring local produce, meats and cheeses.
On the central eastern coast of the South Island, Canterbury includes a collection of small and varied subregions. The region is cool and dry with low rainfall and light, infertile soils. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are well-suited here, with Pinot Gris coming in third place.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
