2024 Chard Farm Pinot Gris, Central Otago

Chard Farm Pinot Gris from Central Otago is a beautifully expressive, cool climate white that shows the variety’s more serious, textural side while retaining freshness and lift. Chard Farm is one of Central Otago’s pioneering estates, established in the late 1980s in the dramatic landscape above the Kawarau Gorge. Now under the guidance of winemaker Tom Harker, the focus remains firmly on wines that reflect Otago’s extremes rather than chasing international styles. Pinot Gris thrives in this environment, with warm days building flavour and cold nights locking in acidity, while schist rich soils contribute savoury detail and mineral tension.

The fruit is sourced from carefully selected Central Otago vineyards, hand harvested to capture balance and aromatic purity. In the winery, the approach favours texture and complexity without heaviness. Fermentation is managed to build mouthfeel, with time on lees adding savoury depth and weight, while oak influence is minimal or absent to keep the wine focused and site driven. The result is Pinot Gris that feels layered and food friendly rather than simple or sweet.

The aromatics are inviting and refined. Ripe pear, nashi and white peach lead, followed by apple skin, citrus blossom and a hint of spice. Beneath the fruit sits a subtle savoury note of almond skin and wet stone, giving the wine depth and a distinctly Central Otago feel. As it opens, gentle floral tones and a touch of ginger add further complexity.

The palate is textured, balanced and quietly powerful. Orchard fruit flows across a softly weighted mid palate, supported by fresh acidity that keeps the wine lively and precise. Flavours of pear skin, stone fruit and subtle spice build gradually, finishing dry and clean with a light phenolic grip and mineral edge. It is immediately appealing but has enough structure to develop additional savoury nuance over three to five years.

An excellent match for roast chicken, pork dishes, seafood risotto, grilled fish, Asian inspired flavours or soft cheeses. Chard Farm Pinot Gris is a confident expression of Central Otago, combining generosity, freshness and a clear sense of place.