In 1998 a very special New Zealand wine brand launched. The world’s first Ma?ori-owned wine company, Tohu has spent the past 20 years creating internationally acclaimed wines while upholding its deeply held values, which include rangatiratanga, manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga – excellence, kindness and guardianship.

Right now the brand is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a collaboration with Kiwi artist Flox and the release of limited edition Méthode Traditionelle Rewa Rosé. The collaboration with Flox includes the design of a vibrant and arresting wine label, outer giftbox and an exclusive tote bag that’s available for sale on tohuwines.co.nz/rewarose.

“We are delighted to be working with Flox, who shares our passion for the unique landscape of Aotearoa. We knew she would be the perfect artist to express and honour our connection to the land,” says Rachel Taulelei, Kono CEO (Kono is a Ma?ori-owned, top 100 New Zealand food and drinks company under which Tohu is one of the brands).

Flox’s vibrant distinctive illustrations depict the native birds, ferns and flowers of Aotearoa – particularly rewarewa (the native honeysuckle from which the wine takes its name) and korimako (native New Zealand bell bird). In line with Tohu’s founding principles, for every tote bag sold the winery will donate a native tree through Te Rahi o Ta?ne - Trees That Count. Trees That Count helps conservation groups to plant more native trees by connecting planters with funders.

“One of our core values is kaitiakitanga, or guardianship,” says Ms Taulelei. “At Kono and Tohu Wines, our promise is love for the land, respect for the sea. We are passionate about being true to who we say we are and honouring our role as custodians of the land.”
 

The Wine

Tohu Méthode Traditionelle Rewa Rosé 2015 is a sparkling rosé made solely from pinot noir grapes and aged in the bottle for 24 months on lees. This gives it bright berry aromas and brioche notes and a delicate, ballet slipper pink hue. RRP$40, available at selected Liquorland stores nationwide.

AROMAS: Strawberry, hints of ripe stonefruit and toasted hazelnut

FLAVOURS: Rich and biscuity with fresh berry flavours