NZW Fellows: Xan Harding
A self-confessed “nerd” with a penchant for policy and a passion for sociology has been recognised for his commitment to New Zealand’s wine industry.
When he joined Rock Ferry Wines in 2020, on the brink of Covid-19 restrictions, the company gave him the opportunity to give it a go, with Atípico launched the next year.
Its first wine - Under the Plum Tree- comes from a small block behind the Rapaura winery, planted with Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc.
"It used to be an orchard, so here are some plum trees dotted throughout in a nod to the land's past. I decided to make a wine around this story, so with family and friends we handpicked the three varieties and put them straight into the fermenter in the vineyard. The wine is a co-ferment field blend, fermented in the vineyard, which I tongue in cheek coined vinsitu. It is definitely atypical."
His key focus was making something delicious with an interesting story "while walking the tightrope of avoiding being gimmicky."
The tiny label is a family affair, with his brother's partner Pippa the artist behind the labels, and a family crew for picking, bottling, labelling, waxing and packing.
"It is hands-on and labour intensive, but we love it."
Jordan is "incredibly proud" of Marlborough wines, and wants to showcase the diversity and quality that is possible in the region, beyond its Sauvignon Blanc.
"There are other stories to be told and we want to tell them with the wines we love making."
