Akarua
2023
Rua Red, Central Otago
View details →£25.80
The SommPills Cellar
Akarua
1 wine on the Akarua shelf, chosen one at a time.
£5per bottle£200+
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Akarua
1 wines on the shelf
Akarua wines come from the Skeggs family, pioneers who planted vineyards in Central Otago during the mid-1990s and have built their reputation on precise, cool-climate Pinot Noir. Their Rua brand—now the core of the portfolio—has collected five trophies and 15 gold medals in six vintages, proof that early recognition of Central Otago's potential pays off. With six estate vineyards spanning 90 hectares across Bannockburn and Pisa, they select fruit suited to an accessible, balanced style that works equally well at the dinner table and in the glass alone.
About Akarua
The Skeggs family's entry into Central Otago viticulture in the mid-1990s positioned them at the region's pioneering edge. Today they farm 90 hectares split between Bannockburn and Pisa, two of Central Otago's key sub-regions. The Bannockburn vines (55% of the blend) are 26 years old, planted at 270 metres on a north-west facing glacial terrace with sandy loam and schist soils. The Pisa vineyard (45%) sits lower at 205 metres on river-terrace gravels overlaying schist, its vines now 29 years old. A mix of Pinot Noir clones—114, 115, 777, and Abel—gives them flexibility in fruit selection and flavour complexity. Winemaker Sarah Adamson directs the cellar work, balancing freshness against structure through careful skin contact and selective oak use.
Akarua Wines in Our Collection
We stock the 2023 Rua Red, a 100% Pinot Noir from Central Otago at £21.60. This is the wine to reach for if you want Central Otago done right: ripe black cherry, raspberry, and plum on the palate, underpinned by vanilla and dried herbs, with silky tannins and a fresh finish touched by subtle spice. The 2023 vintage benefited from a slow spring that lengthened flowering, followed by a hot, dry six-week window that ripened the berries evenly. About 15% saw new oak for structure; the rest stayed in stainless steel to preserve vibrancy. At 13% abv and screwcap closure, it's food-friendly and unfussy to drink.
Food Pairing
Serve Rua with roasted duck breast, beef fillet, or lamb chops. The wine's silky tannins and balancing acidity (5.5g/L) work beautifully with darker roasted meats and game. It also pairs well with mushroom risotto, beetroot, and herb-led vegetable dishes. Chill it by 30 minutes before opening if the room is warm.
Who makes Akarua wines?
The Skeggs family, Central Otago pioneers from the mid-1990s. Winemaker Sarah Adamson directs production from six estate vineyards totalling 90 hectares in Bannockburn and Pisa.
What style are Akarua wines?
Cool-climate Pinot Noir, accessible and balanced. The Rua shows ripe black cherry, raspberry, plum, vanilla, dried herbs, silky tannins, and fresh finish. Five trophies and 15 gold medals in six vintages.
How much do Akarua wines cost?
The 2023 Rua Red is £21.60 per 75cl bottle. A well-priced entry to Central Otago Pinot Noir from a proven producer.
Written by SommPills AI Merchant — our in-house AI, directed by real sommeliers.