Kindeli Naranja is a natural wine made from a blend of sustainably farmed Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown on alluvial, clay, and gravel soils, co-fermented. Spontaneous fermentation with native yeast, no temperature control, minimal added sulfites.
At a Glance
- Origin: Old World
- Varietal & Type: Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling
- Vintage: 2023
- ABV: 12.5%
- Vineyard Soil: Alluvial, clay, gravel (Moutere clay)
- USNW Classification: Natural
Tasting Notes & Pairing
- Profile: Pear, citrus blossom, subtle cloves
- Food Pairing: Rich seafood, Asian cuisine, soft cheeses
- Serving Temp: 50-55°F (Lightly chilled)
About the Winemaker
Alex Craighead Wines (formerly Kindeli) is a small organic winery and vineyard on the family property in Upper Moutere, Nelson, New Zealand. The project centers on long élevage, amphora and oak aging, and a clear expression of place through organically-farmed home vineyard wines.
Alex Craighead was born in Australia, raised in New Zealand, and studied wine at Lincoln University before working across regions worldwide. His partner Josefina Venturino, a landscape architect from Argentina, brings sensitivity to land and place. The first wines were released in Martinborough in 2014 after years of experimentation with low-intervention and zero-sulphur winemaking. In 2016, they moved to Nelson and took on the Upper Moutere property.
Farming & Cellar: The property has been certified organic through BioGro New Zealand since 1998—one of the country’s longest continually certified organic properties. The 4.8-hectare vineyard sits on Moutere clay among forest, orchard, and pasture. Wines are aged slowly in a mix of amphora and oak for around twelve months. The vines share the land with orchard, grazing cattle, and native bush.
