Hawkshead Pinot Gris

A gorgeous and typically highly aromatic Central Otago Pinot Gris. Promising floral, white peach and Beurre Bosc pear aromatics seamlessly translate to the palate. In addition to its bouquet, this dry-style Pinot Gris offers a medley of summer ripe stone fruits, hints of dried apricot and a soupçon of wild thyme to awaken your senses. The abundance of subtle fruit flavours, rich texture, bright acidity and a trace of mineral notes make this a complex wine for a curious palate to discover and a good reflection of the vintage.

• Winery: Hawkshead
• Varietal: Pinot Gris
  
• Region: Central Otago, New Zealand
  
• Vintage: 2023
  
• Alcohol: 13%
  
• Volume: 750ml
  
• Closure: Screwcap
  
• Other: Drinks beautifully now, will continue to age for 5-8 years
  
• Food pairing: Light seafood & vegetable based risottos, salads & sauces; fried fish & Fish & Chips; mushroom risotto; Hummus
  

A sumptuous, dry style, fruity and brilliantly balanced Hawkshead Central Otago Pinot Gris will impress any Pinot Grigio lover. It's insanely easy drinking and looks great too. Great to take to any social occasion or as a gift. Buy here and get delivered direct to your door.

The Hawkshead vineyard finds its serene haven nestled upon the gentle north-facing slopes of the breathtaking Gibbston Valley – a renowned haven within Central Otago, cherished by those who seek awe-inspiring landscapes, warm hospitality, and exquisite wines.

Back in 1895, the visionary Italian viticulturist, Romeo Braggato, laid down a statement that would shape the course of Central Otago's viticulture. He boldly proclaimed that this region held immense potential for cultivating exceptional Pinot Noir grapes. Braggato perceived a unique synergy of elements that could transform this environment into a haven for Pinot Noir production – a harmony of soil, temperature, sunlight, and rainfall that could manifest a Pinot Noir paradise. As time flowed onward, generations witnessed the transformation of this landscape from gold rushes to sheep farming. Today, over a century later, Braggato's foresight has materialized into a reality that stands as a testament to his conviction.

Hawkshead vineyard capitalises on the strengths envisaged by Braggato, becoming a beacon both within New Zealand and on the international stage for crafting award-winning wines. While cultivating grapes at the 45th parallel south pushes the boundaries of viticulture, this vineyard, situated between 350 and 400 meters above sea level, basks in ample year-round sunlight and an average annual rainfall of 650mm. The soils, shaped by wind-blown glacial deposits, are adorned with free-draining alluvial schist and a delicate veneer of topsoil. Within this nurturing earth, three Pinot Noir clones – 114, 667, and Abel – have taken root. A prolonged, dry autumn, accompanied by sun-drenched days, ushers in gradual ripening and the intensification of flavors within the superior-quality fruit. It is this unhurried maturation process, extended hang time, that bequeaths the elegance and intricacy characteristic of Gibbston Pinot Noir. Every berry is meticulously hand-picked, and each clone is fermented separately, sometimes harvested as late as early May during certain years.

The Hawkshead Label pays homage to the legacy of William Swainson, a naturalist of 1841 who settled in New Zealand, christening his inaugural colonial abode 'Hawkshead,' after his ancestral home in the English Lake District. Swainson's globetrotting adventures yielded invaluable contributions to natural history, immortalized in his volumes of avian, butterfly, and tropical shell illustrations. His depictions of early Wellington landscapes and abodes offer a precious historical chronicle. For Denis Marshall, a descendant of Swainson, his artwork is a connection to more than aesthetics; it's an embodiment of shared love for the natural realm. In the embrace of Gibbston, Denis and Ulrike found it fitting to name their vineyard after William Swainson's maiden New Zealand residence. Today, the original rendering of the cottage graces the label of the Hawkshead Single Vineyard Pinot Noir.

Swainson's ardor for nature cascades onto the Hawkshead Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Rosé labels, adorned with illustrations from his collection of enchanting North and South American birds.

The Hawkshead Team upholds the legacy of a family enterprise, flourishing over time through a close-knit ethos and an unwavering commitment to the art of fine winemaking. Owners Denis and Ulrike personify hands-on involvement in their winery, whether tending to the vines, collaborating with winemaker Dean Shaw, or warmly welcoming wine connoisseurs to their realm. Their profound affinity for the land echoes through their actions, fostering a shared connection with their cherished terrain.

Denis Marshall's journey spans from farming in Rangitikei to public service, culminating in founding the NZ National Parks & Conservation Foundation and its offshoot, The New Zealand Nature Fund. These initiatives channel his unwavering dedication to conservation, leading him to Central Otago's awe-inspiring landscapes.

Ulrike Kurenbach's relationship with wine is a legacy. Raised in Germany's wine-rich Rhineland, she imbibed her family's passion for wine, laying the foundation for her appreciation of wine craftsmanship. Armed with degrees in Food Technology and Art & Design, her global teaching experience, and a WSET diploma, Ulrike's role at Hawkshead is a fusion of her adoration for wine, food, and creativity.

Renee Shaw embarked on a journey from Wellington to the South Island, only to find herself captivated by its allure. Sixteen years of experience in tourism and hospitality, including guiding on the Routeburn Track, make her a valuable asset to the Hawkshead team. With each step, whether studying wines or chasing after her daughter Emiko, Renee's engagement is consistently captivating.

• 5 Stars - Candice Chow, Candice Wine Chat (2023 vintage)
• 93/100 Points & Excellent Cam Douglas (2023 vintage)
• 5 Stars - Michael Cooper (2022 vintage)
• 92/100 Points - The Wine Front (2022 vintage)
• 4 Stars - Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (2022 vintage)
• 18.5/100 Points - Raymond Chan Wine Reviews (2021 vintage)
• 95/100 Points - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2020 vintage)
  
• Gold & 93/100 Points - Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews (2020 vintage)
  
• 5 Stars & Gold Medal Standard - Michael Cooper, Michael Cooper’s Buyers Guide 2022 - NZ Wines (2020 vintage)
  
• Excellent to Outstanding - Mark Henderson, Otago Daily Times (2020 vintage)
  
• 4 Stars & Silver - Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (2020 vintage)