2024 Escarpment Gris Pinot Gris, Martinborough

An elegant white wine that showcases the quality and potential of this cool-climate region. Martinborough, located in the southern part of New Zealand's North Island, is renowned for its excellent growing conditions, particularly for Pinot Noir, but also for producing high-quality white wines like Pinot Gris. Escarpment, a winery with a strong commitment to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of Martinborough, has crafted a reputation for its focus on precision, balance, and terroir-driven wines.

Escarpment Wines was established by renowned winemaker Larry McKenna, a pioneer in Martinborough winemaking, with a philosophy rooted in capturing the true expression of the region's terroir. Escarpment has built a solid reputation for producing world-class Pinot Noir and other varietals, including Pinot Gris. The winery practices sustainable viticulture and focuses on producing wines with depth and complexity that express the distinctive characteristics of the region’s soils, climate, and vineyard sites.

Crafted from carefully selected grapes grown on the winery's estate vineyards in Martinborough. The cool climate and gravelly soils of the region provide ideal growing conditions for this variety, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly, preserving the bright acidity and fresh fruit flavors that are characteristic of high-quality Pinot Gris. The wine undergoes fermentation in stainless steel to maintain its crisp, clean profile, with a small percentage undergoing fermentation in oak to add texture and complexity.

Escarpment Gris Pinot Gris typically displays aromas of ripe stone fruits like pear, peach, and apricot, along with subtle floral and citrus notes. On the palate, the wine is fresh and vibrant, with flavors of juicy pear, citrus zest, and hints of spice. The wine’s acidity is well-balanced by a soft, rounded texture, making it both refreshing and approachable. The finish is clean and crisp, with a delicate minerality that reflects the terroir of Martinborough.

A versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. It complements seafood such as oysters, scallops, and grilled fish, as well as light poultry dishes, fresh salads, and Asian cuisine like Thai or Japanese. Its balance of fruit and acidity also makes it a great match with soft cheeses, such as Brie or goat cheese.