New Brancott Estate wines created

Pernod Ricard owned wine brand Brancott Estate is launching a Marlborough Sauvignon Gris plus a Terroir Series

Forty years after planting the first vines at Brancott Vineyard, Brancott Estate is continuing to pioneer new expressions of Marlborough by focussing more attention on the potential of Sauvignon Gris. Brancott Estate is the first producer in Marlborough to plant commercial Sauvignon Gris vineyards and the only commercial New Zealand winery bringing Sauvignon Gris to the UK market. Brancott Estate Sauvignon Gris will carry an RRP of £10.49.

Sauvignon Gris has seen a revival in recent years, with Brancott Estate championing its return to favour. The brand is looking to provide increased choice for new consumers sampling New Zealand wine for the first time, as well as offering an alternative to Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Gris provides the opportunity for consumers to sample a new varietal as well as expand their experience of New Zealand wines.

“An ancient varietal from Bordeaux, Sauvignon Gris was traditionally grown alongside Sauvignon Blanc - we were curious to see what this variety would do in Marlborough” says Patrick Materman, chief winemaker at Brancott Estate.  “The result is a rich generous wine that retains the fresh vibrancy of Marlborough.”

“We are incredibly proud of our Sauvignon Gris and are keen to be making it more readily available to consumers who are curious about new varietals” says Patrick. “It’s a very food-friendly wine that pairs with a wide range of dishes, and its complex, balanced flavours make it very approachable.”

Terrior inspired range

Taking inspiration from the varied terroir within Marlborough, Brancott Estate has also launched a new wine range, Brancott Estate Terroir Series, developed to showcase the potential and diversity of styles from this famous wine region. The range includes a Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (RRP £12.49) and Pinot Noir 2013 (RRP £14.49).

The range is crafted from grapes sourced from the Awatere Valley showcasing the sub-regional diversity within Marlborough. The more southern of Marlborough’s two main valleys, the Awatere Valley produces wines with lifted aromatics and intense fruit flavours, and these can be experienced in both the Terroir Series Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. 

“Ever since we first planted in Marlborough in 1973, we’ve been fascinated with the different flavour profiles that come from different vineyards across Marlborough” says Materman. “Our vineyards in the Awatere Valley are further south and closer to the ocean than our other Marlborough vineyards. The cooler coastal climate provides a longer growing season and this extended hang time gives the fruit more time to develop flavours, leading to wines of great intensity.” 

Brancott Estate Terroir Series Sauvignon Blanc 2013 exhibits the tomato leaf and fresh herbal aromas that are characteristic of Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc.  The palate shows fennel and apple fruit notes with ripe grapefruit highlights. This wine is a well-balanced with concentrated fruit flavours, flinty acidity and a lingering finish.

Brancott Estate Terroir Series Pinot Noir 2013 is deep garnet red in colour. The nose presents lifted berries, liquorice and hints of anise. On the palate, juicy forest berries combine with subtle savoury oak and finish with silky tannins.

27 January 2014 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor