I was contacted recently by the owner of Central Otago label, Domaine Rewa. My exposure to the wines has previously been limited to the excellent Chardonnay, and a taste of the Pinot Noir during a quick visit to Cargo cellar Door at the end of last year. My review of the range of wines will appear on the site soon.
I sent Philippa Shepherd a list of questions to get the ball rolling and find out a bit more background…
Can you give us some background to Domaine Rewa – how did you get to the stage you’re at now, making wine In Central Otago? I was born and educated in Otago. Soon after I left university knew I wanted Central Otago to be part of my life. It was an iterative process but when I moved to London in 2004 it became more of a focus, as whilst I didn’t know much, I knew I didn’t want to be an old lady in London/Europe. So in 2009 I took the plunge, and purchased Domaine Rewa: sight unseen.
How has Central changed since you’ve been working there? It’s evolved so much since I was a child as a result of being discovered and becoming so popular . So as a result of that the population and services have just morphed. But in essence for me it’s the same and fundamentally endears me due to the climate, seasons, awe inspiring scenery and people.
What do you think is ahead for the future? I don’t think there’s any doubt it continues to grow .
Can you say what defines a Central Otago wine compared to the rest of the wine world? Obviously everyone talks about the Pinot Noirs, I’m as equally impressed and encouraged by some of the extraordinary Chardonnay’s that are being produced in our area.
Can you tell us about your land – vineyard, soils, elevation, etc? 5.5 hectares: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Gris
• Alluvial soils
• Organic vineyard
• Biodiversity key to use so there’s increasing plantings of fruit, olive , native and ornamental trees plus most recently a trufflelerie
Do you ‘make what you like to drink’ and hope everyone likes it too (and buys it) or is there a more structured business plan? Most of what we do is very considered – it has to be. I believe to make great wine you really need a long term and ideally multi generation view.
What’s the one thing that you wish you hadn’t done, when setting up Domaine Rewa? I don’t think I’d change that much…well certainly nothing structural.
What are your favourite other wines, and do you have any stories to tell about discovering those? I love variety. Some that spring to mind…
- Bell Hill Chardonnay just because it is so damn good and whilst I’ve never met Sherwyn and Marcel I like them on email.
- Picpoul du Pinet, a simple southern French variety grown on the coast. It reminds me of summers with my husband Yannick eating oysters freshly shucked right there amongst the ostreicultres.
- Domaine de la Grange des Pere because my husband loves it and I’m deeply attached to their family ethos: care of their land, hard work and the low yields that produce two wonderful wines.
If you could make other wines, what would they be? Champagne.
What makes a great wine? Respect for the land, the grapes and the people producing, and drinking, your wine.
What are your thoughts on using whole bunch in your winemaking? Ask Pete Bartle our wine maker, since day one I leave every single one of those decisions up to him.
Does it take a certain length of time, to understand the vineyard and the wine you are making? Of course. It’s a journey. You learn each day, season and year. And I’m not sure you ever completely understand.
With the break we had with COVID, do you look at things differently now?Sometimes it feels like nothing is the same, so yes. For me I’m consciously trying to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Is there anything you wish you could change about the wine industry? Yes, in fact quite a lot. But, for now, I just focus on what I can change or control, my own little sphere of influence
Who would you most like to share a glass of your wine with? Family & friends primarily. But others would include the likes of Philippine de Rothschild when she was alive. Seemingly she had a great spirit and I think I would have enjoyed her. My husband is rather fond of Christine Lagard, so I think it might be somewhat foolhardy of me not to take up that opportunity should it come about – assuming she didn’t want to discuss monetary policy.
