Saint Clair Pinot Gris Rose Origin

Producer Note

Neal and Judy Ibbotson were pioneers in the Marlborough wine industry, first planting vineyards in the valley in 1978 and then establishing Saint Clair Family Estate in 1994. They own 160 hectares of vineyard in 10 different Marlborough locations chosen specifically for the attributes of their individual "terroir" and ability to produce top quality grapes. Neal Ibbotson combines his extensive expertise in viticulture with the talent of one of New Zealand's leading winemaking teams led by Hamish Clark. Since 1994, when wines from the first vintage all won medals including gold, the name Saint Clair has been synonymous with quality and its award-winning record continues today. This is a sentiment shared by Bob Campbell MW, who says “Saint Clair now makes the country’s and perhaps the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc”.

Vintage

Short periods of rain during the harvest were followed by brilliant sunshine and mild breezes which helped to dry the berries. Harvest started in earnest on 13th March and continued at a steady and manageable pace with minimal pressure. The vintage proceeded in near perfect conditions, with 2019 producing exceptional quality fruit with very concentrated flavours with excellent acidity

Vineyard

In 2001 Saint Clair introduced a ‘grading system’ for each of its vineyards and marks them out of 10 for quality each year. This provides valuable information in terms of which vineyards provide the best fruit and which varieties produce the best quality within each of the vineyards. The grading system is also used extensively as a management tool for identifying and improving best vineyard practices. The vineyards are carefully managed, using a sustainable approach with minimal use of vineyard sprays, maintaining an open canopy with good light and airflow, leaf plucking, fruit and shoot thinning and selection.

Winemaking

Made from a blend of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir varieties, the fruit was machine harvested in the cool of the night in order to retain freshness and capture the fruit flavours. The grapes spent only a few hours on skins to extract the delicate flavour, aroma and colour and were then carefully pressed. After settling, the juice was fermented in stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures to retain fruit flavour and freshness. The wine was then stabilised and prepared for bottling.

Tasting Note

Pale salmon in colour, a refreshing rosé with lifted aromas of sun-ripened strawberry, whipped cream and spiced pear. Beautifully balanced and finely structured on the palate with creamy fruit flavours of raspberries and strawberries leading to a hint of spice on the finish.

Serving Suggestion

An ideal match with salmon, grilled fish or summer salads

Grape

Pinot Gris 95%, Pinot Noir 5%