Bannockburn

The Black Label represents Brew Cru's premium selection – think of it as their 'we're not messing around' bottling. This Pinot Noir shows why New Zealand has become a serious player in the Pinot game, offering that perfect balance of fruit intensity and earthy complexity. The winemakers at Brew Cru have a background in craft brewing, which explains both their name and their approach to winemaking – meticulous attention to detail, respect for raw materials, and a willingness to push boundaries. This Black Label bottling represents their top-tier offering, made from select vineyard blocks and given extra barrel aging to develop those complex secondary flavors that make Pinot Noir enthusiasts go weak at the knees.

For those unfamiliar with the piquette style, consider this your delightful introduction to wine's funky little cousin. Piquette is made by rehydrating already-pressed grape pomace and fermenting the resulting liquid – essentially giving those grapes a second life and creating a low-alcohol, slightly sparkling beverage that ancient vineyard workers used to enjoy. Grape Abduction's version is as fun as its name suggests – light, refreshing, and dangerously easy to drink. At just 7% ABV, it's perfect for day drinking without the accompanying day nap. This is the wine equivalent of that quirky friend who shows up to the party with an unusual board game that ends up being the highlight of the evening – unexpected, a bit different, but absolutely worth getting to know.

This Kiwi Pinot delivers serious bang for your buck – capturing the variety's delicate charm without the Burgundy price tag. Brew Cru has crafted a wine that's both approachable for Pinot newcomers and interesting enough for the aficionados. The craft beverage background of the Brew Cru team shines through in their attention to detail and respect for natural processes. Their standard Pinot Noir (compared to their Black Label offering) emphasizes freshness and drinkability, making it perfect for everyday enjoyment. New Zealand's cool climate allows for the slow ripening that Pinot Noir craves, developing complex flavors while maintaining that crucial acidity that makes the variety so food-friendly.