10 years after the founding of Rimapere in the Marlborough region, in the prestigious area of Rapaura, Edmond de Rothschild Heritage puchrased Akarua, a 52 ha property from the Skeggs family. Located in the Central Otago region (Bannockburn), in the heart of the South Island of New Zealand, the estate comprises 34.5 ha of vines, nestled in in the foothills of snow-capped mountains, on the bank of the Kawarau River, upstream of Dunstan Lake and amid breathtaking scenery. Edmond de Rothschild Heritage was immediately seduced by Akarua’s exceptional terroir and potential, enabling them to expand their range with a great Pinot Noir.

Ariane de Rothschild, Chairwoman of Edmond de Rothschild Croup, explains us that the mineral complexity of Central Otago soils is widely known to provide excellent growing conditions to this grape variety. The terroir of Bannockburn shares similarities with Burgundy and the same potential to produce some of the best Pinots Noirs in the world. « The international reputation of Central Otago gives us a unique occasion to get into organic winegrowing, one of the fastest growing categories right now », she says.

Edmond de Rothschild Heritage already owns 9 vineyards in France, Spain, South Africa, Argentina and New Zealand, producing 3,5 million bottles a year. With Akarua, the group is entering the organic wine market for the first time.

Anne Escalle, Technical Director of Rimapere since 2019 and settled in New Zealand for 15 years, takes on the management of this new vineyard. « Central Otago, particularly Bannockburn, represents an ideal terroir for Pinot Noir thanks to its continental climate – rare for New Zealand – which is associated with a great deal of mineral complexity in the soil (loess over shale and sand). The Akarua vineyard is a unique site, nestled in the foothills of the mountains, offering more balanced conditions which will undoubtedly allow our wine to grow into one of the finest Pinot Noir. »

Edmond de Rothschild Heritage already owns 9 vineyards in France, Spain, South Africa, Argentina and New Zealand, producing 3.5 million bottles a year. With Akarua, the group is entering the organic wine market for the first time. Edmond de Rothschild Heritage is constantly investing in its family heritage, expanding it through a self-appointed mission to awaken the senses as well as educate the conscience. The brand returns exceptional products and places to greatness, with a focus on three main areas: Wines, Hospitality & Nature. With 500 hectares of vines spread across Bordeaux (including the iconic Château Clarke), New Zealand, Argentina, Spain and South Africa, Edmond de Rothschild Heritage uncovers exceptional terroirs and creates wines that are true reflections of them.

Edmond de Rothschild Heritage purchased Rimapere in 2012. Ideally located in the prestigious area of Rapaura, in the heart of the Marlborough region, the 24ha-estate is managed according to the principles of sustainable agriculture. Two wines are produced there: Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc (22,000 cases) and Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc Plot 101 (1,500 cases).