Esk Valley Pinot Gris

It’s a place. It’s a winery. It used to be called Glenvale (not to be confused with Gloriavale!) but we now know ’em as Esk Valley.

Built in 1933 by an Englishman (Robert Bird) who produced fortified wine from the 30s through to the 70s until the Esk name was created for a premium range of table wines. These days owned under the umbrella of the highly successful Villa Maria brand, although they do operate as an independent winery with their own winemaking team and vineyards including winemaking legend Gordon Russell.

Their 2022 Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris is a single vineyard wine crafted using grapes from the famous Keltern Vineyard. This is the vineyard known for producing some of the best Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay money can buy – turns out they can make some pretty bloody good Pinot Gris there too!

Esk’s winemaker Gordon Russell, he says this one is a “This is a dry but rich style of Pinot Gris with aromas and flavours of baked apple, peach, citrus and honey. A small portion of barrel fermentation has added richness and complexity to this delicious and highly drinkable wine.”

There ain’t no better way to enjoy this style of Grus than nicely chilled with soft cheeses, pork and chicken or seafood dishes.