Tupari Pinot Gris 2013
Our top wine argues convincingly that pinot gris can indeed be a many-layered, satisfying drop. Its settled, balanced structure allows the fruit to speak with clarity.
Attractive apple, honeydew melon and cinnamon notes ring out, harmonising well with an underlying flintiness – perfect with seared calamari with a slightly sweet
soy glaze.
Top wine profile
The gris spot
A well-chosen spot high above the Awatere River is home to the small block of Tupari pinot gris vines. Tupari is a shared venture between the Turnbull family and winemaker Glenn Thomas, the man who made the first wines in the Awatere Valley over 20 years ago. “The pinot gris vines are sheltered and we get good results,” says Thomas, who has always sought to make a dryer, brighter, food-friendly style. “We pick quite early to ensure lower alcohol levels and plenty of acidity.” The second generation of Turnbulls have all returned from jobs overseas to be part of the Tupari vision on the family farm and in the vineyard. Says marketer Eliza Turnbull, wife of Heath, who manages the vineyard with his father David, “We wanted to make a wine with greater depth that would stand up well to food. Since our first vintage in 2009, we feel our wine has helped shape attitudes towards pinot gris, with people now seeing it as a more complex, interesting wine.”
- Pinot Gris - White wine
- Marlborough - New Zealand
- NZ$25-$30
- Sweetness: Dry
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- Cellar: 3 year(s) top 5
- View the full NZ Pinot Gris 2013 tasting results