About the Winery
Named for the ancient Otu̅whero river that runs through our estate, OTU Sauvignon Blanc amplifies all that the Awatere terroir holds true – a backbone of minerality and crisp acidity with aromas of tomato leaf and intense tropical fruit on the palate. Wilder, drier, cooler and windier than Marlborough’s main valley, the Awatere’s hilly, rough coastal terrain conspires to produce distinctive, intensely vibrant wines.
A wild coast, like no other
Our estate is located directly south of Marlborough’s Wairau Valley, in the Awatere Valley; the coolest and driest of Marlborough’s three sub-regions.
Situated right at the edge of the ocean where exposed cliffs and untamed coastline meets our OTU Estate vineyard blocks, the growing season this far south is longer, with high sunshine hours where ripening is extended – allowing for a perfect balance of intense flavour, delicious acidity and optimal ripeness at harvest.
Stand-out sub-region, The Awatere Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand
Its wild wind-blown, rough, dry, hilly wild coast terrain conspires to produce distinctive, complex, and edgy wines – with vines that have to work harder in this harsh environment. It is the most geographically distinct subregion of Marlborough – and this makes it very unique.
Our Estate, Untamed wild coastline
Planting commenced in the year 2000 for the five vineyard blocks, set alongside the ancient Otuwhero River and the untamed coastline of the Pacific Ocean. Each block possesses clear, defining flavour characteristics from the rolling, sea-swept and highly terraced terrain. These majestic coastal blocks are exposed to the wild weather from the Pacific Ocean, which de-vigour the vines, resulting in small, intensely flavoured berries- that deliver unrivalled intensity and purity to our Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.
McKee Top Block, McKee 3 and Otuwhero Flats of M1 & 2 are exposed to the wild ocean winds and warmer moderating sea breezes, positioned on steep terracing to maximise sun exposure.
Otuwhero Hammond and Dysart Blocks are tucked further inland, surrounded by snowy mountain peaks, creating a uniquely rich soil environment from mountain range to ancient river bed.
Within the OTU estate, 160ha is fully planted, predominantly with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, with the balance to be developed over the coming years.
Meet the Team
Anna Remond — Winemaker
Originally from a rural background in Canterbury, Anna is a passionate winemaker with a love of Sauvignon Blanc – the crisp fresh wines the Marlborough region is so well known for. A winemaker for 15 years for one of New Zealand’s largest wineries, Anna headed up the white wine-making program and worked vintages in the French regions of Sancerre and Burgundy. As a mentor for the Women in Wine Programme, Anna also supports women to develop their Winemaking careers and reach their full potential in Marlborough, here in New Zealand – and continues to forge a leadership path for women in winemaking overall.
