Felton Road, a renowned winery based in Central Otago, New Zealand, has a rich history and holds great significance in the world of winemaking. Over the years, the winery has developed a unique approach to crafting exceptional wines, focusing on allowing the wine to express its true character and terroir. This commitment to authenticity and minimal intervention has earned Felton Road a well-deserved reputation as a producer of world-class wines.
At Felton Road, the winemaking philosophy centres around understanding and nurturing the vines and the grapes they bear. The winemakers believe that the wine should be true to itself, and their role is to encourage its natural qualities rather than imposing their own preferences. Like caring parents, they observe and learn from each vintage, understanding the origins of each trait and how it contributes to the final product. This deep understanding allows them to guide the winemaking process while respecting the unique character of each vintage.
Felton Road embraces a gentle winemaking process that minimizes intervention and allows the wine to evolve naturally. Gravity flow is employed to avoid the need for pumping fruit uphill, ensuring delicate handling of the grapes. The fermentation process relies on spontaneous fermentation with the wild or indigenous yeasts naturally present in the vineyards and winery. Inert gas is purposefully avoided, preserving the purity of the wines. Oak is used judiciously, playing a supporting role rather than overpowering the wine. The malolactic fermentation occurs naturally, influenced by the warm spring air that enters the cellars. The Pinot Noirs are unfined and unfiltered, and increasingly, the Chardonnays follow the same approach. This commitment to minimal intervention allows the wines to fully express their unique characteristics.
Felton Road takes great pride in the bottling of their single vineyard and single block wines, which are a true reflection of their origin. The selection of these wines is not based on their size or hierarchy of flavour, but rather on their ability to speak of a specific place. Each bottle carries the essence of the vineyard from which it originates, capturing the nuances of the soil, climate, and surroundings. These wines offer an authentic and captivating experience for wine enthusiasts who seek to explore the true expression of Central Otago's terroir.
Discover the exceptional wines crafted by Felton Road and experience the true expression of Central Otago's terroir. At The Reserve Cellar, we are proud to offer a curated selection of Felton Road wines, allowing you to explore the history, significance, and unique philosophy behind this esteemed winery. Indulge in the world-class Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that embody the essence of New Zealand's remarkable wine region.
Shop now and embark on a sensory journey with Felton Road.