Introduction to Coal Pit Vineyard
Located in the Gibbston sub-region of Central Otago, New Zealand, Coal Pit is a boutique family-owned vineyard first planted in 1994. A small, passionate team is committed to crafting world-class wines from their 7ha vineyard and on-site winery; only small volumes are produced annually. Glacially formed schist-based soils on elevated north facing slopes consistently yield well integrated wines of great structure and elegance.
Coal Pit Vineyard - A Year In A Day from Coal Pit Vineyard on Vimeo.
The Origin of the Coal Pit Name
The Coal Pit name is derived from the historical area in the nearby mountain ranges which provided the early pioneers, musterers and gold miners with coal.
The Flagship Wine: Pinot Noir 'Tiwha'
The flagship Pinot Noir ‘Tiwha’ pays tribute to the owner's late father. The label's design is inspired by an oil painting which hangs in the winery (built in 2007), by famed New Zealand artist and family friend, Chris Heaphy. The inky black lines at the top and bottom of the label represent the coal seams that once characterised this Central Otago landscape and are now an integral part of our identity. The dominant cadmium red symbolises the predominance of Pinot Noir plantings in the vineyard. The result is a striking design that beautifully complements the individuality and beauty of the vineyard, our people and our wines.
Description of the 2019 Vintage
Despite a challenging growing season, our methods saw enhanced resilience in the vineyard and allowed us to hand harvest exceptional quality fruit in 2019. Staying true to our signature style, this wine shows dark cherry aromatics with savoury cocoa undertones, underscored by delicate notes of wild thyme. An elegant yet powerful Pinot Noir, where depth of fruit and tannin abound, balanced with the delightful acidity and minerality for which our elevated Coal Pit site is known. It represents our heritage, our unwavering passion and the unique character of Coal Pit
Recognition and Awards
Tiwha is a consistently high performer, with the 2011, 2014, 2018 and 2019 vintages all awarded Gold at the coveted International Wine Challenge. The 2019 vintage claimed Gold and multiple Trophies at the most recent IWC 2023, including trophies for NZ Pinot Noir, Otago Pinot Noir, and Gibbston Pinot Noir.
