Lucky me - I was sent these two as trade samples in the last week. Pinot Gris is a very popular white wine, especially as the flavour profile falls somewhere between the extremes of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The newcomer Viognier now has the mantle of 'most groovy white variety', having usurped PG in the last year or so. However, Viognier can be a very big, high alcohol and overpowering wine - not in the pre-dinner tipple ballpark.
Pinot Gris when it emerged, was a hard wine to nail flavour-wise, and many winemakers weren't really sure what to do with it. Now the predominant style is off-dry and fruity, with subtle Nashi pear and apple flavours.These two are from Central Otago, proving that Pinot Noir is not the only grape that does well in the Deep South.
Gibbston Valley Pinot Gris 2009 $NZ27.50
Picked up a gold medal at the Royal Easter Show. Aromas of white blossom and carnation. Creamy texture, fruity Nashi pear flavours and a crisp dry finish.
Locharburn Pinot Gris 2009 $NZ25.95 Partly barrel fermented, so not as crisp and edgy as they tend to be from a sole stainless steel ferment. Lovely rounded and elegant flavours of pear and stewed apple.
Phil runs wine tours in Auckland to Kumeu and Matakana
He also published a book on visiting NZ's best wineries
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