Giesen Pinot Gris Receives a Trophy on Its First Outing

Giesen Estate Pinot Gris Receives a Trophy on Its First Outing

Monday 5 March 2018

Marlborough, NZ – The recently released Giesen Estate Pinot Gris 2017 was been awarded the Champion Pinot Gris Trophy at the Royal Easter Show.

The trophy further cements Giesen Wines as one of New Zealand’s premiere aromatic winemakers. Giesen is widely known for its Estate Riesling, which is the country’s number one selling Riesling and has won multiple trophies across numerous vintages. The Champion Pinot Gris Trophy for Giesen Estate Pinot Gris 2017 proves Giesen’s aromatic credentials span multiple varieties.

Pinot Gris is finding flavour with more New Zealanders. According to IRI data to 31 December 2017, within NZ Grocery, Pinot Gris grew by +5.1% in value year on year. What’s more, Pinot Gris is New Zealand’s third most popular wine (TKA, MAT 31/12/17, Value Ranking).

Giesen Chief Winemaker, Nikolai St George says the growth in popularity of Pinot Gris means many New Zealand wineries are making quality Pinot Gris styles. “Given the size of the Pinot Gris category, we’re delighted that Giesen Estate Pinot Gris 2017 stood out at the Royal Easter Show Wine Awards.”

Giesen Estate Pinot Gris 2017

To maximise aromatics and flavour, fruit for Giesen Estate Pinot Gris 2017 was selected from three regions; Marlborough, Waipara and Hawke’s Bay. With most of the fruit coming from Marlborough, Giesen was rewarded for its decision to meticulously manage its vineyards. This meant when harvested, its Marlborough Pinot Gris was perfectly ripe, while still offering acidity. Fruit from the warmer Hawke’s Bay gave stone fruit flavour and the cooler, inland Waipara provided aromatics.

All fruit was selectively harvested ensuring it arrived in the winery with the right balance of acid, sugar and aromatics and without any trace of disease. Immediately upon arrival in the winery, each parcel of Pinot Gris was pressed. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks followed with aromatic yeasts carefully chosen to ensure the intensity of the wine. Ferments were stopped early to retain the poise of acidity and natural sugar, which is what gives the finished wine its off-dry balance. A further three-to-four months on lees built mouth-feel and texture before final blending and bottling.

Giesen Estate Pinot Gris 2017 entices with fresh nectarine, peach and red apple aromatics. On the palate, it has a touch of creaminess and subtle spice which leads to a lively, off-dry finish. All this adds up to a Pinot Gris which tastes great. As the weather cools, this Pinot Gris would be perfect with spinach and feta tart. Equally, it’s made in a style which means it can also be enjoyed as an aperitif.

Giesen Estate wines showcase distinctive regional varieties which are generous, smooth and most of all taste great. The Giesen brothers believe great wines are the ones remembered from fun experiences with family and friends. Giesen Estate Pinot Gris 2017 is made for fun with family and friends, its perfect for BBQs, lunches and dinners – or even on its own as a treat at the end of the day.

Giesen Estate Pinot Gris 2017 is available in fine wine retailers and supermarkets across New Zealand.

Giesen Estate Pinot Gris 2017 RRP $14.99

ENDS.

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