Press Release from Greystone Wines 25/11/13
North Canterbury Winery takes out trophy for top Pinot Noir
Greystone Wines has won the Pinot Noir trophy at New Zealand’s most prestigious wine show- the Air New Zealand Wine
Awards, for their Waipara Pinot Noir 2012. The North Canterbury winery has taken the top gong from more well-known Pinot
Noir producing regions, reinforcing growing interest in this area. The Pinot Noir was grown on the clay and limestone
slopes of the Waipara Valley, an hour north of Christchurch.
A team of local and international judges were effusive with praise for the sustainably accredited wine. They described
it as “Opulent and powerful, yet poised and refined with dark berries and floral aromas.” In addition the same wine was
last month rated 96 points and named by Gourmet Traveller magazine as one of New Zealand’s Top 12 Pinot Noir.
Dom Maxwell, Greystone’s winemaker, was on hand in Queenstown to receive the award and has been elated by the success
and attributes it to the dedication from all the team members. “We’re lucky to have a team that gives its all, from the
first cut for pruning to the bottle being sealed, and I think people can appreciate that effort”. In addition to the
Pinot Noir receiving the trophy, Greystone also received Elite Gold for its value Pinot Noir brand, Thistle Ridge,
reinforcing its reputation across all levels.
Greystone Wines was established by the Thomas family in 2004 as they sought out the finest blocks in the Omihi region of
the Waipara Valley. Greystone's exciting wines are directly attributable to these unique sites, each with its own
microclimate and soils that go from Glasnevin gravels to Omihi clay and limestone across the 40ha of vines. The vineyard
is managed by acclaimed viticulturist Nick Gill- formerly manager of Penfold's Barossa vineyards. Greystone has gone
from strength to strength recently contributing to the North Canterbury name internationally with awards in Hong Kong
for the International Wine and Spirits Show and two finalists in Winestate magazines “Wine of the Year “ . All of their
wines are estate grown, vinified and bottled.
Nik Mavromatis, Greystone’s Sales Manager said, “This just reflects what the world is saying about North Canterbury
Pinot Noir. We’re only a tiny area in terms of quantity but our quality is what is bringing all the recognition for the
area.”
ends