Mr. and Mrs. Sato moved to Central Otago in 2007 and established their own label, Sato Wines, in 2009 . I have been making wine. However, for two people who have gained experience in natural wine producers in traditional wine countries such as France before the establishment, and have learned about biodynamics from them and their predecessors in NZ , having their own fields and brewery is one. It was a clear goal.
It was in 2016 that the long-awaited in-house field project for the two of them started . At an altitude of more than 300m on average in the Central Otago Pisa area , we found a suitable piece of land on a steep slope. They purchased the land, which had been bare pasture, and thoroughly investigated the soil composition and slope direction from scratch. I also confirm that Otago has a microclimate with a large temperature difference between day and night. After repeated research, the two decided to divide the field into 6 sections (total area is 3.1ha ) according to the soil, altitude, and slope direction, and selected Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc. , five grape varieties called Gamay. In 2016 , clones were selected and planting started. From the beginning, they practiced biodynamics and gradually progressed the project, finally deciding to release their own field series wine for the first time from the grapes produced in 2019 . In the same year, a new brewery was established next to the field, and a total of 5 types of wine were prepared as " La Ferme de Sato ".
Our vineyards are located on the western hills of the Cromwell Basin with a lake at the bottom behind Mount Pisa at an altitude of 1950m . The altitude is 298m at the lowest point and 349m at the highest point , and when you look down at the fog that occurs in winter, you feel as if you are above the clouds. Although the soil differs depending on the plot, it is characterized by a large amount of clean cyst, quartz, glacial sedimentary soil and lime. It is very well drained and has low water retention, so hard work in the field is essential to develop the soil structure. Another feature is that it is located on a steep slope where strong winds blow, and while enjoying the amount of sunlight in the morning, the temperature drops at night due to the relatively early sunset, resulting in a large temperature difference between day and night. Become. The result is an excellent harvest that benefits from a cool climate, with plenty of sunshine.
