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Te Muna Road Estate
Nestled in a secluded valley, our Craggy Range Te Muna estate has a the unique, rugged terroir of stony soils, cool sunny days and brisk howling winds for an unparalleled depth of flavour.
Established in 1999, Te Muna is seven kilometres east of the Martinborough township and 50 metres higher in elevation, delaying harvest by up to ten days. The soils have some of the oldest surviving loess deposits in New Zealand, dating back 350,000 to 400,000 years. The unique soil composition, temperate climate, high winds and large diurnal temperature swings create the perfect terroir to produce wines of exceptional character.
The river terraces carved by the local Huangarua river have deposited a diverse mix of rocks and minerals, contributing to the complexity of our wines. Our vineyard is the only one in Martinborough to span the three terraces. Each represents different stages in the river’s evolution, providing a rich tapestry of soil types and microclimates.
The specific area of river terrace where our estate vineyard is located is perfectly suited for viticulture; prime land that cannot be replicated or expanded. This exclusivity ensures the distinctiveness of our Te Muna wines. Our vineyard’s strategic location across all three terraces allows us to harness the best qualities of each. Pinot Noir thrives on the older, top terraces, with soil consisting of fine silty loam overlaying gravely river stones and ancient volcanic ash. Sauvignon Blanc flourishes on the lower terraces made up of young, gravely, free-draining soils.
Martinborough’s climate has a harsh edge to it. The cold bites with spring frosts and chilly winters, while the wind stresses the vines, controlling their vigour. Yet this harshness is a blessing. The stress on the vines results in thicker skins and more concentrated flavours. The hot, dry summers create ideal ripening conditions, allowing the grapes to fully develop and retain their vibrant character.
At Te Muna, we embrace the challenge of harnessing a temperamental climate to produce exceptional wines. Our meticulous viticultural practices ensure each vine is cultivated to perform at its best. Low cropping and precise canopy management underscore our commitment to producing wines that truly represent the essence of Te Muna.
“Our Sauvignon Blanc showcases the remarkable complexity born from the unique, rugged terroir of our Te Muna Vineyard. The combination of stony soils and cool sunny days gives us the distinctive minerality, along with the brisk howling winds that thicken the grapes’ skin, resulting in an unparalleled depth of flavour.”
- David T. Peabody
