Greystone, Pinot Gris, Pinot Gris, 2023, North Canterbury (GI)

'One-Liner'
Organic Waipara Pinot Gris – nashi pear, baked apple and a gently textural, dry-ish finish.

Tasting Note
Pale straw to light straw-gold. The nose shows nashi pear, baked apple and pastry notes. The palate is mouth-filling with flavours of baked quince and pear, a touch of baking spice and subtle vanilla pod; texture from lees gives weight, while fresh acidity keeps it clean and salivating on the finish. Serve nicely chilled.

Country: New Zealand
Region: North Canterbury GI
Sub-Region: Waipara Valley
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Gris
ABV: 13%
Friendly: Vegan, Organic

Awards & Critics' Scores
95/100 (19/20) – Raymond Chan Wine Reviews (Feb 14, 2024). 
93/100 – Cameron Douglas MS (Jan 25, 2024).
91/100 – Wine Advocate, Erin Larkin (via The Wine Collective).

The Story
Greystone was established in 2000 on Waipara Valley’s limestone and clay hills and is now fully BioGro-certified organic – part of a broader push into regenerative farming and net-carbon-zero certification. The Pinot Gris ferments mainly in stainless steel with a small barrel-fermented portion, then rests briefly on lees to build texture – a house style that aims for purity, gentle weight and a dry-ish balance.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Fish: Monkfish with lemon, fennel & parsley – the wine’s ripe pear and quince meet sweet, meaty fish; bright acidity cuts the buttery finish.
- Vegetarian: Goat’s-cheese, pea & lemon tart – the creamy filling mirrors the wine’s texture while citrus keeps things lively.
- Vegan: Miso–sesame roasted aubergine with herby couscous – savoury umami and a hint of sweetness play nicely with the wine’s fruit and gentle spice.