Kumeu River, Estate Pinot Gris, Kumeu 2021

The story of Kumeu River Wines began to unfold more than half a century ago with the first generation of the Brajkovich family to arrive in New Zealand from Croatia. Extensions and additions mark the milestones that have seen the business adapt and expand over the years. Kumeu River Wines now encompasses 30 hectares of vineyards, which are predominantly clay soils overlying a sandstone base. The winery produces around 250,000 bottles annually.

The Chardonnay wines of Kumeu River have gained a strong foothold within the international market, receiving outstanding accolades. The vineyard has gone on to become the globally recognised benchmark for non-Burgundy produced Chardonnay.

The Pinot Gris vineyards they have in Kumeu are producing grapes of high quality consistently that allow them to make wine that is rich, complex and delicious. The wild yeast fermentation took place in tanks over an extended period. The aromas have typical peach and stone fruit notes tinged with the floral perfume that we have come to expect from Pinot Gris. On the palate the wine is rich and complex with a lively texture on the palate. Pinot Gris is a variety that goes particularly well with food, including quite intensely flavoured dishes. It is also one of the few wine styles that can handle the spiciness of chilli, so together with the sweet succulence of prawns, a nicely chilled bottle of Kumeu River Pinot Gris makes up a spectacular combination.