{"title":"Churton Natural Slate","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"churton-natural-slate-pinot-noir","title":"Churton Natural Slate Pinot Noir","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurton Natural Slate Pinot Noir\u003c\/strong\u003e is a naturally fermented, lighter-bodied Pinot Noir from Marlborough, New Zealand, available in a 750ml bottle. This Gold Medal winner at the New Zealand Organic Wine Awards 2021 stands apart for its biodynamic-inspired winemaking: the must spends exactly 14 days on skins — precisely half a lunar cycle — a deliberate nod to the estate's holistic approach to viticulture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand  |  Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir  |  Style: Natural, Fruit-Forward  |  Winery: Churton Wines\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChurton Wines is a boutique estate in Marlborough founded by Sam Weaver, known for its commitment to organic and biodynamic farming principles. The Natural Slate Pinot Noir is gently destemmed and fermented with indigenous yeasts only — no cultured yeast strains are introduced. After its 14-day maceration, the wine is aged briefly in seasoned French oak barrels for approximately three months, preserving fruit purity while allowing just enough structural integration. The result is a Pinot Noir deliberately styled for freshness and vibrancy rather than oak-driven weight, sitting in stark contrast to more conventionally made Marlborough reds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Incredibly aromatic from the first pour, opening with lush florals — violets especially — before layering in wild strawberry and bright red cherry. A subtle undercurrent of forest moss and white pepper adds earthy complexity beneath the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate enters vibrant and crunchy, led by ripe raspberry and tart cherry that carry real energy. At the mid-palate the wine evolves, introducing sapid plum and a gentle herbal quality that keeps things interesting. Finely grippy tannins provide structure without heaviness, and the minimal oak influence allows the fruit and terroir to speak clearly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Juicy and medium in length, with lingering red berry and a clean, slightly peppery close. The tannins resolve smoothly, leaving a refreshing impression that invites the next sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Natural Slate Pinot Noir\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wine is specifically designed to be served lightly chilled — 14–16°C is ideal — which amplifies its aromatic lift and crunchy fruit character. It drinks beautifully on its own but also works in lighter wine-based serves. Try it in a \u003cstrong\u003ePinot Noir Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e with a splash of soda and a twist of orange peel for a warm-weather aperitif. A classic \u003cstrong\u003eBurgundy Kir\u003c\/strong\u003e (substituting this for a traditional Bourgogne rouge with a drop of crème de cassis) highlights its berry core. It also shines in a \u003cstrong\u003eNew World Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e built around fresh summer berries, where its strawberry and cherry notes integrate seamlessly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing red wine to someone who typically prefers whites or rosés\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSummer and early autumn dining where heavier reds feel out of place\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to a natural or organic wine enthusiast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding out a collection of New Zealand Pinot Noir expressions for side-by-side tasting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Natural Slate Pinot Noir taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is a vibrant, fruit-forward Pinot Noir dominated by wild strawberry, tart cherry, and raspberry, with underlying notes of violet, white pepper, and forest moss. The tannins are fine and the finish is juicy rather than heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Natural Slate compare to Churton's standard Marlborough Pinot Noir?\u003c\/strong\u003e The Natural Slate is lighter, brighter, and more overtly fruity, designed to be served chilled, while Churton's flagship Pinot Noir is a more savory, structured wine with greater oak influence and aging potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Natural Slate good for drinking on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its aromatic intensity, refreshing acidity, and low tannin grip make it one of the more approachable and enjoyable Pinot Noirs to drink without food, especially when served lightly chilled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Natural Slate Pinot Noir made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Churton Wines in the Marlborough region of New Zealand's South Island, an area renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc but increasingly recognized for high-quality Pinot Noir grown in its cooler sub-regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Natural Slate Pinot Noir?\u003c\/strong\u003e Seared salmon with a beetroot glaze mirrors its red fruit and earthiness. Charcuterie boards with cured meats and aged gouda complement the peppery finish. Duck rillettes echo its savory undertones. Roasted portobello mushrooms connect with its mossy aromatics. Fresh strawberry and goat cheese salad amplifies the wine's primary fruit character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Natural Slate Pinot Noir come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Natural Slate Pinot Noir worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a mid-range, artisan expression within Marlborough Pinot Noir, with its organic certification, indigenous yeast fermentation, and biodynamic-inspired production offering genuine craft value above mass-produced alternatives in the same price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Natural Slate Pinot Noir?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this wine from the crowded field of Marlborough Pinot Noir is its uncompromising commitment to natural winemaking — indigenous fermentation, organic viticulture, and a deliberate half-lunar-cycle maceration that few producers would attempt. The 2021 Gold Medal at the New Zealand Organic Wine Awards confirmed it as one of the country's strongest natural reds. Where many New Zealand Pinot Noirs lean on heavy extraction and new oak, the Natural Slate takes the opposite path: minimal intervention, maximum terroir expression, and a drinking style that rewards a light chill rather than a decanter. For anyone seeking a Pinot Noir that genuinely tastes like it came from somewhere specific, made by someone with clear intent, this bottle delivers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Churton Natural Slate","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837950292137,"sku":"35736","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Churton-Natural-Slate-Pinot-Noir__73255.jpg?v=1730502187"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/churton-natural-slate.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}