Kindeli Tinto 2022
Kindeli Tinto is a red natural wine made from a blend of co-fermented Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Riesling. Kindeli Tinto is a light to medium body red wine, slightly fizzy when popped, bright and crisp with crunchy fruit and a touch of spice. Serving temperature: 55 F.
About Kindeli:
Kindeli is an innovative and dynamic wine project led by Alex Craighead, a visionary, natural winemaker who has quickly become one of New Zealand's most exciting figures in the wine industry. Located on the rugged and remote South Island, specifically in Upper Moutere near Nelson, Craighead's work is defined by a deep commitment to natural winemaking principles and a respect for the environment.
Since establishing Kindeli in 2016, Craighead has been working in near-total isolation, allowing him to focus intensely on his craft and develop a winemaking style that is uniquely his own. The vineyard spans approximately 5 hectares and is planted on a cold, north-facing slope, ideal for cultivating grapes with high acidity and expressive character. The coastal region of Nelson, where Kindeli is based, is characterized by its windswept landscapes, wild terrain, and sparse population—more reminiscent of the remote areas of Patagonia or the Pacific Northwest than the traditional wine regions of Europe.
Craighead sources his grapes exclusively from organic or biodynamic vineyards, ensuring that the fruit he works with is of the highest quality and free from chemical interventions. This dedication to natural viticulture extends to the winemaking process, where Craighead employs minimal intervention techniques. His wines are made with indigenous yeasts, without added sulfur dioxide (SO2), and are neither fined nor filtered, allowing the purest expression of the grapes and terroir to shine through.
The wines produced under the Kindeli label are known for their vibrant energy, complexity, and a distinct sense of place. Unlike many New Zealand wines, which often nod to European traditions, Kindeli wines are unbound by conventional winemaking influences, resulting in a style that is entirely Craighead's own. His approach embraces the wild and untamed nature of the region, producing wines that are as expressive and unique as the landscapes they come from.
Craighead's innovative techniques and commitment to natural wine have not only set Kindeli apart in New Zealand but have also garnered international attention. His wines, while rooted in the soils of New Zealand, speak to a global movement toward sustainability and authenticity in winemaking, making Kindeli a beacon for natural wine enthusiasts worldwide.