Terra Sancta ‘The Italian’ Special Reserve

Terra Sancta ‘The Italian’ Special Reserve is a strikingly original Central Otago red, blending Northern Italian varieties with Bannockburn’s alpine intensity. Multi-vintage, multi-varietal and deeply expressive, it delivers energy, texture and savoury depth, bridging Old World structure with New World vibrancy.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Deep ruby in the glass, this wine opens with lifted aromatics of violets, red cherry and blackcurrant, layered with notes of liquorice, dried flowers, cedar and orange zest. The palate is poised and energetic, driven by juicy raspberry, dark plum and bitter cherry fruit. Bright acidity brings lift and tension, while velvety, Italian-style tannins provide structure and a creamy, flowing mouthfeel. Subtle earthiness and savoury complexity carry through to a clean, vibrant and persistent finish.

Key Details

• Winery: Terra Sancta
• Varietal: Lagrein, Dolcetto, Barbera
• Region: Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand
• Vintage: Multi-vintage
• Alcohol: 13.0%
• Volume: 750ml
• Other: Gluten-free; Vegan-friendly; Organic; Sustainable winegrowing

Craftsmanship & Story

Located in the heart of Bannockburn, Terra Sancta is one of Central Otago’s most distinctive boutique wineries. Established in 2011 by Mark Weldon and Sarah Elliot, the estate occupies historically significant land, including Sancta Vineyard, home to Bannockburn’s first vines planted in 1991.

The winery is renowned for its regenerative and organic farming philosophy, employing no-tillage practices, wild fermentation and zero acidification. Animals form part of the ecosystem, enhancing soil health and biodiversity, while minimal intervention in the winery allows purity, texture and site expression to shine.

Special Features

‘The Italian’ Special Reserve is highly unconventional in a New Zealand context. Crafted from rare Italian varieties grown in Bannockburn’s schist-rich soils, it is blended across multiple vintages to achieve depth and balance. Fermented wild and aged predominantly in neutral oak, the wine is bottled under cork, finished with a wax seal and presented in a wide-shouldered bottle inspired by classic Italian design, making it particularly distinctive for gifting.

Recognition & Accolades

Widely praised for its originality, texture and vibrancy.

• 95/100 Points – James Suckling (2025)
• 95/100 Points – James Suckling (2024)
• 94/100 Points – Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (2024)
• 4.5 Stars – Michael Cooper (2024)

These accolades highlight the wine’s position as one of New Zealand’s most distinctive and innovative red blends.

Food Pairings

This vibrant, structured red is made for the table. Its bright acidity and Italian-style tannins shine alongside slow-braised lamb shanks, wild boar ragù or rich beef dishes, where the wine’s cherry fruit and savoury undertones cut through richness with ease. Charcoal-grilled steak, particularly bistecca-style cuts, mirrors the wine’s energy and spice.

Vegetarian pairings are equally compelling, with eggplant parmigiana, mushroom risotto or tomato-driven pasta dishes elevated by the wine’s freshness and earthy depth. Serve slightly chilled to enhance its aromatic lift.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

Distinctive, textural and beautifully presented, ‘The Italian’ Special Reserve is an inspired choice for adventurous wine lovers. Ideal for dinner parties, Italian-inspired feasts or as a standout gift with real personality.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.