New World: Pinot Gris
2015: Gold 1 Silver 1 Bronze 3 Commended 4
2014: Gold 1 Silver 1 Bronze 1 Commended 1
There’s a growing school of thought that, rather than Riesling, <B>New Zealand</B> should be focusing on Pinot Gris as its quirky, niched white variety after Sauvignon and Chardonnay. And certainly on this evidence it’s performing better than Riesling in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Prices were, admittedly, fairly ballsy (only one under a tenner), but four medals compared with just two for Riesling suggests that there’s potential here. Certainly our tasters thought so. They enjoyed the texture, the food-friendliness and the Alsace-lite style of Gris. Let’s have a few more in 2016 to prove the point!
Star Performer
This was the second year on the trot that a Kiwi Pinot Gris has picked up a Food Match Trophy. Last year it was Mount Difficulty for Pork Belly, this year Spy Valley for Veal.
FOOTNOTE: Pinot Gris costing under £12 ex-VAT can be entered either here or in the relevant Varietal Classics category.
From The Tasting Teams
‘At entry level we found easy, fresh styles, but stepping up you need to deliver more: fruit and some texture, viscosity from skin contact. I think that the customer deserves that, too; not overworked wines, but with some good expression. When good, the New World can do this very well.’ Gus Gluck, Vinoteca King’s Cross
‘Because of the recognition and popularity, this is a good wine to encourage people to look a little higher up the list. But you also don’t want to put people off by trying to switch them over from a simple Pinot Grigio to an Alsace style.’ Olivier Marie, team leader
‘With Pinot Grigio, New Zealand can point the way, delivering fresh styles that also have flavour and varietal character; balanced wines with some interest. Then there is more food compatibility.’ Richard Brooks, Caroline Catering