About Tohu Whenua Matua Albarino, New Zealand
If you love a really vibrant Albariño, this Tohu Whenua Matua is one to try, super unique and refreshing. Layers of citrus peel and juicy stonefruit meet a hint of beeswax, with a lively palate that's bright with acidity and minerality, carrying through to a long, lingering finish. It's a single vineyard wine from a tiny 1.4 hectare block, hand harvested and bottled early to keep its freshness while allowing it to develop real complexity in the bottle. A wonderfully aromatic, characterful white for anyone who loves Albariño with a bit more depth.
Tohu comes from Upper Moutere in Nelson, New Zealand, grown on ancient alluvial clay soils threaded with weathered gravels. The name means "sign" or "landmark" in Māori, and reflects the winery's philosophy as tangata whenua, people of the land, deeply connected to protecting and nurturing the vineyards they farm. This particular block was planted in 2011 and benefited from a near perfect growing season, even flowering, a dry summer with cool nights, and a harvest picked at exactly the right moment. With only 4,280 bottles produced, it's a genuinely rare expression of New Zealand Albariño, and a lovely one to seek out.
