Churton Natural Slate Pinot Noir

Churton Natural Slate Pinot Noir 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.

Quick Facts: Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand  |  Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir  |  Style: Natural, Fruit-Forward  |  Winery: Churton Wines

Production & Heritage

Churton 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.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: 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.

Taste: 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.

Finish: 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.

How to Drink Natural Slate Pinot Noir

This 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 Pinot Noir Spritz with a splash of soda and a twist of orange peel for a warm-weather aperitif. A classic Burgundy Kir (substituting this for a traditional Bourgogne rouge with a drop of crème de cassis) highlights its berry core. It also shines in a New World Sangria built around fresh summer berries, where its strawberry and cherry notes integrate seamlessly.

Best For

• Introducing red wine to someone who typically prefers whites or rosés
• Summer and early autumn dining where heavier reds feel out of place
• Gifting to a natural or organic wine enthusiast
• Building out a collection of New Zealand Pinot Noir expressions for side-by-side tasting

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Natural Slate Pinot Noir taste like? 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.

How does Natural Slate compare to Churton's standard Marlborough Pinot Noir? 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.

Is Natural Slate good for drinking on its own? 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.

Where is Natural Slate Pinot Noir made? 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.

What foods pair well with Natural Slate Pinot Noir? 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.

What sizes does Natural Slate Pinot Noir come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.

Is Natural Slate Pinot Noir worth the price? 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.

Why Natural Slate Pinot Noir?

What 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.