Ata Rangi 'Lismore' Pinot Gris
Ata Rangi 'Lismore' Martinborough Pinot Gris is a white wine made 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. The grapes are all hand picked and whole bunch pressed with the resulting juice allowed to cold settle before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. 20% of the wine was fermented in three year old 500-litre oak puncheons to deliver extra weight and complexity to the final blend. In both cases, the wine was left on lees for several months. No malolactic fermentation was allowed to take place to retain a crisp, balancing acidity. Vibrant aromas of guava and pink grapefruit mingle with pineapple and apple strudel on the nose. The palate is smooth and velvety, with flavours of nutmeg, lemon curd and hints of beeswax. The finish is long and complex, with persistent notes of citrus pith and pastry. A fresh wine that will develop with bottle ageing.
