Carrick "Organic" Pinot Gris 2020

A flavoursome Pinot Gris with ripe fruit, spices and textural details

We believe that the elements of a good Pinot Gris are a perceived weight and texture on the palate. Our Pinot Gris has a textural element on the palate that is reflective of an Alsatian style whilst retaining a clean acidity that is the hallmark of our windblown glacial soils on the Cairnmuir terraces in Bannockburn. Notes of pear and fresh Braeburn apples are present, balanced by a hint of clove spice.

Focused and elegantly weighted on the palate with textural mouthfeel and crisp acidity. Match with satay chicken and Thai cuisine.

This wine is made from 100% Estate Grown, BioGro certified organic, Central Otago Pinot Gris. The fruit was crushed, then pressed and fermented using wild yeast to foster complexity. It was fermented in a combination of old French oak barrels (36%) and stainless tank. The barrels remained on ferment lees for 7 months, which added additional texture and weight to the blend. There is also a hint of residual sugar to add balance to the palate.

"18.5/20 - Pinot Gris can be a tricky grape variety at the best of times but it’s hard to believe winemaker Rosie Menzies when she says it can a battle to make really good Pinot Gris because this is one of the best Kiwi versions I’ve tried over the past year. Hand picked grapes from the Cairnmuir Terraces vineyard in Bannockburn retain fresh moderate acidity (not too high, not too low), which helps balance the off dry style of this wine with its 3.5 grams of residual sugar. This light hint of sweetness balances the lemony fresh, textural qualities of Pinot Gris, which are also supported by seven months of barrel maturation in old oak for 55% of the wine. The balance of 45% was aged in tank at the same time. This is a tasty, textural and successful blend of both components with richness and fresh flavours of pear in a lively, uplifting wine." - Candice Chow -

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:

Our small single-estate vineyard is located in Bannockburn, a sub-region of Central Otago’s Cromwell Basin, which stretches along the southern side of the Kawarau River.