Ata Rangi Pinot Gris 2024
Grapes for the Ata Rangi Pinot Gris come from the Lismore and Walnut Ridge vineyards, which achieve their optimum flavour profile towards the end of the growing season. As a result, the team harvests this varietal fairly late to obtain a wine closer to the richer style of Pinot Gris produced in Alsace, rather than the leaner, bone-dry style of Pinot Grigio common in much of northern Italy. All the fruit is handpicked and at the winery whole bunch pressed. The juice was then transferred to large format barrels with minimal settling. Spontaneous indigenous yeast fermentation occurred and then the wine was aged on its lees for six months. No malolactic fermentation was allowed to take place. This is a fuller style of Pinot Gris, originally influenced by the style of wines from Alsace and developed over the years into Ata Rangi's own, uniquely Martinborough style. Fragrant aromas of fresh pear, lychee and citrus blend with perfumed notes of rose, jasmine and citronella on the nose. The palate opens with spicy notes of nutmeg and ground ginger. It is a textural wine with balance, beautiful fresh acidity and a long, complex finish.
