24 March 2014
Giesen Wines win Easter Show champion trophy in first attempt at Syrah
Giesen Wines has tasted success in its first attempt at the Syrah varietal, winning the SkyCity Trophy Champion Syrah at
the coveted Easter Wine Show 2014.
The Brothers Marlborough Syrah 2011 is the first Syrah that Giesen Wines has produced during its 30-year history. The
winery also won gold for The Fuder Clayvin Chardonnay 2011.
“Syrah can be a very difficult varietal to master, but it’s a very versatile grape and can do well in warm and cooler
climates. Viticulture is the key,” Marcel Giesen said.
“While the Marlborough region is renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc, we’ve always believed it has the potential to produce
world class wines from other varietals and this is certainly being borne out.”
Marcel said that in 2010 he, and brothers Theo and Alex, planted a small area of Syrah at their Marlborough Ridge
vineyard, following advice from a French soil expert. The vineyard will come into full production this year, is wholly
organic and showing huge promise.
Fruit for The Brothers Syrah 2011 comes from 19-year-old vines at the Clayvin vineyard, for which Giesen Wines signed a
long term lease last year. It has been sourcing fruit from Clayvin for several years.
“Cool conditions in 2011 meant a long, dry ripening period, creating Syrah with concentrated flavours. To ensure we
harvested grapes with an intense flavour, the fruit was selectively hand picked,” Marcel said.
“During ferment, the whole bunch tank required foot treading twice daily to free the juice from the grapes. The wine
matured in premium French oak barrels over two winters.”
Marcel said the wine would benefit from decanting before drinking.
“It has wonderful aromas of blueberries and violets with dense chocolate notes and spicy dark fruit, bramble and cedar.
The palate is dense and succulent with savoury, aniseed and cinnamon stick flavours, refined tannin and a long, complex
finish.”
The Brothers Marlborough Syrah 2011 retails for $59.99 and The Fuder Clayvin Chardonnay 2011 for $69. They are available
at The Cellar Door and fine wine retailers nationwide.
About Giesen Wines
The German-born Giesen brothers Theo, Alex and Marcel possess a sense of adventure and determination; in 1981, they made
the bold decision to leave their home and travel halfway around the world to make wine in New Zealand. Over the past 31
years, they have established 283 hectares of vineyards in Marlborough’s highly sought after Wairau Valley with one
simple aim – make wines that people want to drink. As is the New Zealand way, Giesen is certified in SWNZ (Sustainable
Winegrowing New Zealand) practice. However, they have taken it a step further with conversion to organic viticulture in
two established and one new vineyard.
ENDS