Ryan O’Connell did a very clever-cookie thing naming his wines after the Tolkien-inspired locale because now they’re a firm favourite with hobbit fans. The 50-year-old family dairy farm was converted to grape growing some years back and the O’Connells were contract growers for big brands until deciding to hold the best fruit and have a crack at bottling their own. This pinot has forest floor, dark berries and broody spices, soft, grainy tannins and pairs perfectly with tuna tartare.
www.middleearthwine.com
