Greywacke Botrytis Pinot Gris 2015

Greywacke Botrytis Pinot Gris 2015 – A Refined Expression of New Zealand Winemaking

Greywacke Botrytis Pinot Gris 2015 is a standout white wine that exemplifies both elegance and craftsmanship from New Zealand’s acclaimed Marlborough region. Created by renowned winemaker Kevin Judd—famous for his pivotal role at Cloudy Bay and also respected for his vineyard photography—this wine is a beautiful reflection of the meticulous winemaking tradition at Greywacke.

An Autumnal Symphony of Flavors

New Zealand Greywacke Botrytis Pinot Gris 2015 captures the sensory essence of a crisp autumn evening. It opens with the warm and inviting aromas of roasted seasonal fruits—soft, sweet figs, poached pears, and quince—layered with delicate baking spices and a tempting hint of crushed almond. On the palate, this wine delivers the full-bodied richness expected from late-harvest Pinot Gris, boasting a lush texture balanced by a vibrant acidity. The finish is clean, persistent, and refreshingly bright, leaving a lasting impression of finesse and harmony.

Rooted in Marlborough’s Finest Vineyards

The grapes used in this vintage are predominantly Selection Ovaille and Mission Pinot Gris clones, sourced from Wrekin Terrace Vineyard in the Brancott Valley. Situated on gravelly clay soils in the valley floor, this site offers optimal conditions for slow ripening and flavor concentration. The grapes were hand-harvested at peak maturity to ensure optimal quality and expression.

Greywacke Botrytis Pinot Gris 2015 White Wine

A Thoughtful and Artisanal Winemaking Process

The winemaking approach at Greywacke is both minimal and mindful, aligning with their philosophy of “simplicity and authenticity.” After a gentle pressing with low-extraction cycles, the juice was chilled and transferred into fermentation vessels. Most of the fermentation took place in old French oak barrels using indigenous (wild) yeast, adding complex nuances of spice, herbs, and subtle vanilla. A portion of the wine was also fermented in stainless steel tanks with cultured yeast to preserve freshness and balance. Fermentation was carefully halted to retain approximately 8 grams of residual sugar per liter, enhancing the wine’s mouthfeel and flavor complexity.

New Zealand Wine Greywacke Botrytis Pinot Gris 2015

The final blend was assembled and bottled in mid-2016, with an alcohol content of 14.0%, a pH of 3.28, and total acidity of 5.5 g/L—figures that reflect the precision and balance achieved by the winemaking team.

A Benchmark for New Zealand Pinot Gris

Greywacke is widely recognized as one of New Zealand’s leading wine producers, especially known for their focus on Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The winery has gained international acclaim since its establishment in 2009, not only for the quality of its wines but also for its strong export presence. The 2015 Botrytis Pinot Gris further cements Greywacke’s reputation for delivering distinctive, terroir-driven wines that speak of place and passion.

This vintage is a sublime choice for those seeking a white wine that offers richness without heaviness, and sweetness balanced by elegance. It pairs beautifully with foie gras, fruit tarts, or simply as a contemplative glass on its own.