Main Divide Pinot Gris 2020

Upon release its colour is pale gold. Floral and spiced pear aromas tease the nose, followed by nuances of juicy ripe nectarine, red apple, rock melon, and a hint of perfume. The palate is layered and rich, integrated with bright acidity and fine phenolics. A crisp and zippy mouthfeel is complimented by subtle sweetness, giving balance, and setting the platform for a long, textured finish.

Settled weather over flowering provided a healthy fruit set, which was then thinned back to desired levels. The ensuing summer was dry with very little rain, resulting in perfectly ripened small berries full of intense flavour and concentration. Thankfully, our harvest was able to proceed during the C-19 lockdown, and an unbroken autumn full of warm days meant each variety was picked at its optimum ripeness.

Aiming for a classic Alsatian style with a North Canterbury twist, the fruit was harvested in stages over several weeks to optimise the grapes’ range of natural flavours. After picking, they were gently pressed, and the juice fermented in stainless steel tanks at a cool temperature to retain varietal purity and freshness. The wine was then given a short period of ageing on its natural deposit of yeast lees (sur lie), prior to bottling. At all stages, from fermentation to bottling, the wine was handled very carefully to help it retain a little of its naturally dissolved carbon dioxide. This may result in a small amount of spritzig when first poured, accentuating the freshness and liveliness of the wine.