Fromm Winery, Marlborough, New Zealand
Clayvin Vineyard, Pinot Noir
Fromm was founded by the European Georg Fromm, a fourth generation Swiss winemaker in the late 80’s, the name Fromm signifies the journey made from the old world to the new and is a signature element of intuitive winemakers, Hatsch Kalberer (the Swiss traditionalist & first to make Kiwi Pinot Noir) and William Hoare (Kiwi modernist) throughout the range.
Terroir is pivotal to everything they produce in an attempt to craft unique single vineyard wines.The aim is to produce outstanding wines trusting in traditional old world methods, combined with new world innovation.
After initial experimentation with eight different red varieties, it was the Pinot Noir grape which has stood the test of time and excelled in the Marlborough climate.
Pinot Noir is Fromm’s passion and this is portrayed in the attention to detail shown in the vineyards and throughout the winemaking process. Much care is taken when selecting clones and rootstocks. This is complemented with intense vineyard care and low cropping, resulting in fruit which reflects its terroir.
“Today in the Fromm stable of vineyards there are eleven clones, 4000 – 5000 vines per hectare, with crop levels around five to six tonnes per hectare (or 30/35 hl/ha).” (Fromm Website)
Fromm are fascinated by the manner in which Pinot Noir changes so much depending on the terroir in which it is grown. This has led them to produce three single vineyard wines – Fromm Vineyard, Clayvin Vineyard and Brancott Valley.
Clayvin Vineyard is named after the clay soil which lies beneath the vineyard, and is characterised by its beautiful, ripe and intense dark-fruit flavours, elegance and fine tannin texture. It combines all the necessary ingredients to produce a top quality New Zealand Pinot Noir.
Russell’s are very excited about this latest addition to our ever evolving wine list with the 2010 Clayvin Vineyard now available. The wine is currently drinking beautifully, both opulent and elegant, yet well structured and could age. Cherry, plum and rich black fruit pour out of the glass, with hints of vanilla and white pepper on the nose. The palate is soft and sophisticated with more juicy fruit; wild raspberry and subtle spice. The granular texture and fruit, a terroir expression of Clayvin Vineyard.
Mark Everett