At a glance

Producer

Te Mata Estate Vineyards

Region

Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Grape variety

Gamay Noir

Wine type

Red

Body

Light-bodied and Delicate

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$25-$35

Tasting profile

Bright red cherry, raspberry, floral notes, light earthiness

Evolution: Develops complexity, tertiary notes of forest floor and dried herbs over time

At peak: Balanced fruit and earth, silky texture with lifted aromatics

Structure

Acidity

High, vibrant

Tannins

Light and supple

Alcohol

12.5%

Aging potential

Good potential for 7-9 years given producer and vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2029

Optimal window

2023 to 2030

Current status

Young but approachable

Current condition

Bright fruit with fresh acidity typical of young Gamay

Given the acidity, light tannins, and quality fruit typical of Gamay from Te Mata Estate Vineyards in the Hawke's Bay 2021 vintage, the wine will soften and broaden in complexity after 2-4 years of bottle age, peaking between 4-8 years.

Food pairing

Pairs well with charcuterie, roasted chicken, grilled salmon, mushroom dishes, and mild cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

13-15°C / 55-59°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — To allow the light tannins and aromatic profile to open up and show fruit purity

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Te Mata Estate Vineyards implements integrated pest management, energy-efficient winery operations, water conservation efforts, and uses lightweight recyclable packaging materials.

Te Mata Estate Vineyards is committed to sustainable farming practices recognized by SWNZ certification. They focus on minimizing chemical inputs, optimizing water resources, and reducing energy consumption in the winery. Their packaging choices aim to lower greenhouse gas emissions. The carbon footprint benefits from local sourcing of materials and efforts to improve transport efficiency, despite exporting internationally.