Palliser Estate Pinot Gris 2021

Palliser is one of New Zealand’s premier wine brands, from Martinborough, Wairarapa. They were one of the mavericks who gambled on taking farmland and turning it into vineyards. They describe themselves as ‘a small but committed bunch’, more like a family than a business, with an ethos of caring for each other, their land and their community.

As well as a range of wines made under the Palliser brand, they also make their ‘Pencarrow’ range, named after the lighthouse which sits at the end of Palliser Bay at the entrance to Wellington Harbour.

The philosophy at Palliser is to produce exceptional wines that have a strong sense of place, reflecting not only their sites and the seasons, an approach which is founded on their strong commitment to growing organically.

Grapes were sourced from the organic Om Santi Vineyard, known for its stony soils and cooler climate. The fruit was hand-harvested and gently pressed. Fermentation occurred primarily in stainless steel tanks to preserve varietal purity, with a portion undergoing fermentation in neutral oak barrels to enhance texture. Post-fermentation, the wine matured on its lees for several months, contributing to a creamy mouthfeel and added complexity.