Floating Mountain
Floating Mountain is the English translation of "Maukatere", the Maori name for Mt Grey, one of the Waipara landscape's dominating features.
Winter mists, which frequently envelop the mountain's base leaving just the peak visible, inspire the name.
The vineyard lies in the hub of the Waipara region and was established in 1982 by then owner and former New Zealand Cabinet Minister, Derek Quigley. It was subsequently purchased, in 1988, by Mark & Michelle Rattray who named the estate Waipara Springs. The initial release under this label was a 1989 Chardonnay. In 1990, Waipara Springs became a joint venture with a neighbouring vineyard until 1992 when the Rattrays withdrew to pursue their own label. The vineyard is now dedicated to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with additional areas of Sauvignon Blanc and Scheurebe, (a Riesling derivative), planted in 1999.
Mark's career began in Germany in the early '70's when he studied at the wine college in Geisenheim while living and working at the world-renowned domain, Schloss Johannesburg. During this time he bought a vineyard at nearby Lorchhausen, producing 2 vintages bearing his name. On returning to New Zealand he spent several years with Montana Wines before holding Winemaker positions with Penfolds (NZ), St Helena, Waipara Springs and Canterbury House.
Now, using minimal vine yields, the Rattrays are pursuing the intensity and flavour they know their "terroir" can deliver. Mark also believes that high vine densities are essential for quality Pinot and is initiating an inter-planting program in parallel with trellising modifications. The target is 3000 vines per acre. Mark prunes his vines himself. In the winery, the Burgundian techniques of pre-fermentation "cold-soaking" and whole-bunch addition are employed for Pinots while Chardonnay wines are whole-bunch pressed then fully fermented and aged in barrel "sur lies", with weekly "batonnage". Only French oak is used with 25% renewed annually. Care and attention to detail are paramount. Individual wines of great concentration are the result.
In spite of its small size, Floating Mountain exports to several countries including Switzerland, Australia, Japan, Denmark, America and the U.K. where, in 1995, at London's International Wine Challenge, Mark Rattray's 1993 Pinot Noir was the only New Zealand red to win a gold medal. New Zealand's wines have been widely recognized for their exceptional flavour but Floating Mountain has added richness, complexity, texture and longevity. The endless quest for excellence continues.
Contact
Phone: +64 3 3146710
Fax: +64 3 3146710
Postal
Address: 		PO Box 1, Waipara
Staff
Owner: Mark & Michelle Rattray
Manager: Mark & Michelle Rattray
Marketing: Mark & Michelle Rattray
Winemaker: Mark Rattray
Viticulturist: Mark Rattray
Producer Details
Opening Hours: By appoinment only
Vineyards: 4
Production: 1000
Winery Tours: Yes
Newsletter: No
Wineclub: No
Sales
Cellar Door: Yes
Internet: Yes
Direct Mail: Yes
Via Retailers: Yes
Wines from this Producer
Floating Mountain Chardonnay | 2004 | 2001
Floating Mountain Pinot Noir | 2004 | 2001
Floating Mountain Waipara Riesling | 2001