About The Vineyard At Mt Rosa Lodge
Nestled at an impressive elevation of 482 metres, the vineyard at Mt Rosa Lodge proudly stands as one of the highest vineyard in Central Otago, New Zealand, precisely positioned at coordinates 45°02'49"S and 168°58'36"E.
Our vineyard, located in the picturesque Gibbston region within the Wakatipu Basin, is often referred to as the 'Valley of the Vines' – a title well-deserved for its stunning landscapes and thriving wine culture in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island.
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Our grapes, cultivated on this remarkable property, yield a beautifully balanced, fresh, and seductive Pinot Noir. This wine showcases all the delicacy, elegance, and fine tannin structure that we've come to associate with Gibbston fruit.
About Our Wine, La Bella Rosa
Our wine, La Bella Rosa, is crafted exclusively from the Pinot Noir grapes cultivated at the Mt Rosa Lodge vineyard, specifically clone 777. This Pinot Noir made its debut in 2008, marking the inaugural vintage from this small, distinctive, and privately owned single vineyard site. La Bella Rosa is meticulously produced on a small scale, yielding just 4-5 barrels annually.
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We take immense pride in having Alan Brady, the founder of Gibbston Valley Wines, overseeing the creation of our wine. Read more about the winemaking process and our tasting notes.
Alan Brady, The Founding Father Of Pinot Noir In The Gibbston valley
We consider ourselves truly fortunate to have Alan Brady, a pioneer in the production of Pinot Noir within the Gibbston valley, overseeing the creation of our exceptional wine.
Inspired by his passion for winemaking, Gibbston Valley Winery founder, Alan Brady, planted his first vines in Gibbston in the early 1980s. At 45 degrees south of the equator, his vines were right on the knife-edge of possibility for grape cultivation. Everyone thought that it was too cold for grapes here, but Brady had a hunch, and he was right.
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After his initial plantings, Alan realised the trials and tribulations of being a winemaker. He learned that certain varieties thrived in the region’s cool, continental climate. Alan planted Gibbston Valley's first commercial vineyard, Home Block, in 1983 and released Central Otago’s first commercial vintage in 1987. The wine gained considerable recognition, creating Central Otago's first footprint in the world of winemaking.
Our Winemaker, Brian Shaw
Brian Shaw, our esteemed winemaker, is an enology graduate from Plumpton College in England, and his winemaking journey has taken him across the globe. With hands-on winemaking experience in diverse wine regions, including Australia, England, and, of course, at Wild Irishman with Alan Brady. Brian brings a wealth of knowledge and a well-traveled palate to our winemaking team.
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In addition to his winemaking expertise, Brian boasts a rich background in the wine retail sector, having worked in both New Zealand and the UK. This comprehensive experience has nurtured his deep passion for Central Otago and, in particular, the art of crafting exceptional Pinot Noir. Brian's dedication to his craft, combined with his appreciation for the unique terroir of the region, ensures that our wines bear the mark of his expertise and a genuine love for Central Otago's winemaking heritage.
Our Viticulturist, Tim Deaker
Timbo Deaker has been involved in the Central Otago wine industry since 1992 with Alan Brady at Gibbston Valley Wines, then moving to Blenheim to study Viticulture in 1993.
He returned to Chard Farm, in Central Otago for 2 years, before participating in a winery exchange program into California in 1995 and a vintage in East Sussex, UK in 1996. From there he spent time investigating Sherry production in the south of Spain before heading the Yalumba winery Barossa valley, in Australia. ​He returned to Central Otago to co-manage several vineyards and establish a vine nursery operation. In 1999 he did a Post Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University.
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