Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Hans Family Estate “Secret of Marlborough” Montepulciano is a powerful yet elegant expression of this late-ripening Italian grape grown in Marlborough’s Wairau Valley. Crafted from organically farmed, low-yield vines (less than 1 kg per vine), the wine shows remarkable concentration and complexity. On the nose, it offers alluring aromas of dark cherries, blueberries, and plums, lifted by floral notes of violets and enriched with hints of chocolate and spice. The palate is multi-layered and sumptuous, combining richness with finesse, supported by 24 months of maturation on fine lees in French barriques (30% new) and a further 18 months of bottle aging. With 14% alcohol, natural fermentation, and no fining or filtration, it delivers depth, purity, and a long, resonant finish—an impressive New World take on Montepulciano that balances strength with elegance.
About Winery
Hans Family Estate, also known as Hans Herzog Estate, is a boutique, family-owned winery located in Marlborough, New Zealand. Founded by Swiss-born winemaker Hans Herzog, the estate reflects his philosophy of producing wines with uncompromising quality and individuality. Herzog brought decades of winemaking experience from Europe to New Zealand, establishing the estate as one of the country’s most respected artisanal wineries. What makes Hans Family Estate distinctive is its organic, hands-on approach: every step from vineyard to bottle is carried out onsite, with meticulous attention to detail. Herzog is known for his experimental spirit, cultivating an unusually wide range of grape varieties—over 29, including classics like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as well as rarities such as Viognier, Arneis, Grüner Veltliner, and Nebbiolo. This diversity, combined with a focus on small-scale production and age-worthy wines, has earned the estate international acclaim for its eclectic yet consistently high-quality portfolio.
