Rich, creamy texture and the hallmark minerality in the palate. Aromas of quince, apples, pear, ginger and a hint of rose petal. The cool weather of the Awatere Valley brings out the brilliant aromatics in Pinot Gris in this 2017 vintage. 

Drink now through 2020+.

Winemaking

The Awatere Valley is a sub-appellation within Marlborough. It has deep Greywacke soils compacted over millions of years by ancient glaciers. Huge boulders, carried down the Awatere River, are strewn across the valley floor. River shingles, gravels and silts help bind these large rocks. The vineyards are partially protected from the prevailing north-westerly winds by a broad range of mountain peaks. Awatere valley wines are particularly prized for their intense aromatics, ripe flavours, dynamic textures and concentration.

Vavasour's 85 hectare (196 acre) estate vineyard is located in the renowned Awatere Valley. The climate here is noteworthy for its wide diurnal temperature swings - an atttribute that contributes to strong personality and incredible balance in the wines. The vineyard's soils are low in fertility and comprised of stones and pebbles mixed with clay and loam. The rainfall ranges from 279-406 mm (11-16 inches) a year, very arid by any measurement.

The fruit for our 2017 Pinot Gris was harvested from our estate vineyard in the Awatere Valley. a combination of canopy and yield management ensured great concentration and flavour in the fruit. After whole bunch pressing, 10% of the juice was fermented in older French oak barriques using wild yeasts indigenous to our vineyard. While in oak, the lees were stirred regularly. The remaining 90% was fermented on stainless steel with a selected yeast strain, allowing us to retain the vibrant flavours of the variety. As a result, this wine has a lovely mix of freshness, richness and complexity.

In The Spotlight

Gold Medal - Air New Zealand Wine Awards; Gold Medal - New Zeland International Wine Show; 4.5 Starts - Michael Cooper, The Listener; Silver Medal - Marlborough Wine Show