Valli Waitaki Pinot Gris 2023

Accolades:
92/100 – James Suckling (2022 vintage)

Tasting Note: “A pale golden hue with aromas of pear blossom, nashi pear, lemon, cream soda, and sea salt. The palate is complex and layered with flavours of crunchy pear, lemon zest, lime juice, and green apple; complementing a finely textured palate with great flow and salivating acidity. This sophisticated young wine is both charming and intense. It aptly captures the ethereal nature of the Waitaki and has great ageing potential. This Pinot Gris is engaging on its own but shows real magic when paired with delicious cuisine.” – Jen Parr

Winemaking Notes: Small bunches (average 75g) were hand-harvested from three neighbouring vineyards on the 22nd April 2023. Both lots were whole bunch pressed for gentle extraction. After overnight settling, 48% was racked to neutral white barriques and the rest was racked to a stainless steel tank. The fermentation was intentionally long and slow with partial malolactic fermentation occurring and delayed sulphuring which resulted in a dry and finely textured wine. It spent 6 months on fermentation lees in both barrel and tank, contributing to the silky texture. Dry, <2g/l residual sugar. 740 dozen total production.

Alcohol: 13.5%

Variety: Pinot Gris

Region: Waitaki Valley, North Otago, New Zealand