At A Glance
- Topic
- Detail
- Region
- Martinborough, Wairarapa, New Zealand
- Vineyards
- Blue Rock and Eclipse
- Named wine
- Luna Estate Brut Rosé
- Grape in named wine
- Pinot Noir
- Estate model
- All the fruit Luna grows is turned into wine in its own winery
The Producer
Luna Estate was formerly Alana Estate and Murdoch James. New Zealand investor and wine enthusiast Charlie Zheng bought both properties several years ago. Winemaker Joel Watson took charge of the Luna project in 2015. Luna's approach uses skillfully grown fruit, minimal handling and patience, with no animal products used.
Place
Luna's vineyards occupy distinct physical settings around Martinborough. Blue Rock is a north-facing elevated hillside vineyard approximately 12 kilometres south of Martinborough on Dry River Road. Eclipse lies on Puruatanga Road in the heart of the Martinborough terrace. Blue Rock's soils are silty clay loams interspersed with ancient marine sediment, while Eclipse occupies a deep, stony former riverbank left when the Raumahaunga River changed course.
Wines
Luna Estate Brut Rosé is a Martinborough sparkling wine made from 100% Pinot Noir and carrying 12% alcohol. Brut is the dry category for sparkling wine, while rosé denotes a pink style.
Final Word
Eclipse Vineyard is farmed using full organic practice. Blue Rock is also the location of Luna's winery, where fruit from the Eclipse and Blue Rock vineyards is processed.