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Ken Helm A.M. received the Order of Australia for his work with Riesling, for his contribution to the Australian wine industry, for his support of cool climate wine producers and service to the Canberra community. Helm placed the Canberra region firmly on the map for world class wines after his inaugural 1977 release won significant international accolades. Ken's flagship wines are Riesling and Cabernet, he retains strong ties with eminent wine makers around the globe. Trips to the vineyards and wineries of Mosel, the Rhine valley and Bordeaux provide new inspiration and contribute to the development of his Canberra wines. In 2000 Ken instigated the Canberra International Riesling Challenge, his continuing role as chairman allows him to constantly keep abreast of new developments in Rieslings around the.. Meet one of our nation's most peer respected winemakers»

Drift Marlborough Pinot Gris CONFIRM VINTAGE

Pinot Gris Grigio Southern Valleys Awatere New Zealand
The greater Marlborough region has two distinct mesoclimes which grow unique styles of Pinot Gris. Vines planted to good sites in Awatere Valley are stimulated by low rainfall and strong coastal winds, intense sunshine yet cool nights. Wairau Valley offers an abundance of sunshine, long autumns and crisp cool winters. Both yield harvests of world class white wine grapes. Drift take their pick of each, to create a wine with wonderful roundness of palate, a vibrant yet elegant expression of Marlborough, replete with the essential elements of Wairau and Awatere Pinot Gris.
Available by the dozen
Case of 12
$347.00
Parcels of Pinot Gris are separately harvested from fine vineyards in the Awatere and Wairau valleys. Fruit is crushed, chilled and lightly pressed, batches are cold settled and racked into fermenters, inoculated to choice yeasts and vinified at cool temperatures to retain optimal fruit character. Batches remain on lees for two weeks to add complexity and textural richness, before assembling into the finished wine, followed by stabilising and early to bottling to retain Marlborough vivaciousness.
Light peach yellow hue. Subtle aromas of tropical fruit, dried pears and sweet spice, complimented by hints of cinnamon and red apple. A lusciously full flavoured palate, brimming with apple and pear juice flavours over subtle lychee notes, almonds and and light spice, lingering at the finish with crisp flavours and refreshing acidity.
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Welcome to Marlborough, home of Drift Wines

At the northeast tip of the South Island of New Zealand lies a unique patch of land which is known the world over for producing wines of elegance and sophistication. What makes this area so special is the soil, formed over centuries by slow glacial movement, the seriously cool nights, which help the men and women who tend the vineyards produce fruit which capture the unique flavours of the region. All around the world, certain areas are more suited to growing particular grape varieties due to differences in their climate and soil. In France, Bordeaux produces Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot whilst Burgundy produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. While very different, wines from both regions can easily command thousands of dollars per bottle, as they are revered for capturing the essence of these grape varieties.

Drift

It is because of this that Drift wines come from Marlborough, to deliver the best possible wine for you to enjoy. The fruit for Drift wines is selected from specific sites within the Marlborough region which best express the vibrant characters of the area. This selection goes beyond the broader Marlborough area, the Drift team select the best valleys and the best vineyard, from that vineyard the best fruit. Drift also believe in minimal intervention for winemaking to ensure that the wine clearly expresses the unique characters of the fruit. This means that the grapes are chilled and gently crushed, that they only tend to the juices if there's a need to ensure that none of the vibrant characters are lost.

The Awatere Valley lies in the south east of the Marlborough region, and is close to the coast. This proximity to the ocean results in the Valley being cooler, drier and windier, and is better suited to grape varieties which benefit from longer ripening periods, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris.

The Waihopai Valley is further inland, west of Blenheim and a tributary of the Wairau River. This area can be significantly cooler than other sites due to the cold air which descends from the mountains surrounding the valley resulting in much later ripening of fruit. Fruit for our Pinot Noir is grown in the Waihopai Valley, as it benefits from the richer soils.

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Drift aim to make wine which is accessible, enjoyable and memorable. Whether you enjoy a sip or two at the end of the day, or share with friends and family on the weekends, Drift will take you to a place you'd rather be. To achieve this, the winemaking team at Drift have one simple rule, use fruit from Marlborough which express the vibrant flavours that everyone loves to drink.

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