Hunter's MiruMiru has a new look and a renewed focus on sustainability, says James Macdonald, second generation member of Hunter's Wines in Marlborough.
The ethos around sustainability is taking the shape of lighter weight bottles for 95 per cent of the winery's production, along with more focus on recycled materials throughout the production process - from the glass, paper and cardboard used in packaging to the lighter weight bottles which are have been estimated to save 41 tonnes of glass each year across the Hunter's Wines range.
“We’re building on the legacy Jane created, not just by preserving quality, but by future-proofing the business for generations to come," says James Macdonald.
Hunter’s is committed to sustainability and certified by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ), with regenerative farming practices are in place on its vineyards. This is seeing the use of herbicides being reduced, cover crops and livestock integrated and biodiversity actively restored through wetland and dryland planting. Over 4,000 native plants have been introduced to the property, reinforcing the winery’s role as a guardian of the land.
“This isn’t about reinventing the wheel,” says Macdonald. “It’s about honouring our roots while speaking to a new generation — through thoughtful innovation, premium accessibility, and a deeper connection to the land.”
Hunter's MiruMiru was one of nearly 40 wines tasted for my annual sparkling wine report in Drinksbiz magazine this year (to be published in early November). It was one of the stand out wines of the tasting thanks to its complexity, freshness and champagne-like qualities.
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Hunter’s MiruMiru NV RRP $29.90
MiruMiru is one of the best bubblies made in Aotearoa New Zealand each year and one of its longest lived, having made its debut in 1997. The word MiruMiru is Māori for sparkling and this vibrant, fresh, creamy bubbly gains its character from being made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, blended together to bring balance and depth of flavour thanks to extended ageing on yeast lees in the bottle.
It is distributed throughout New Zealand by EuroVintage.
