Kahiwi

Region
Central Otago, NZ.
Kahiwi
Winemaker
Mike Wolfenden & Olivia Ross
Kahiwi Vineyard in the foothills of the Pisa Range was planted to pinot noir in 2000. Kahiwi has two distinct meanings in Te Reo Maori : ‘the ridge of a hill’ describing the landform of the vineyard and ‘the heart or trunk of a tree’ significant to Mike and Olivia as they seek to regenerate native plantings on their site. Mike Wolfenden (ex-Felton Road winemaker) and Olivia Ross (ex-Burn Cottage winemaker) took charge of these 5 ha of pinot noir ahead of vintage 2021. Mike & Olivia apply minimal intervention farming methods and winemaking. Mike & Olivia immediately recognised two distinct soil families: Madeline presenting the reflective, energetic and elegant qualities of quartz/schist. Stella showcasing the deeper, resonant and brooding qualities of the clay/loam.
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