Wine expert Joelle Thomson shares one of winter’s most popular wines. Here’s a selection of New Zealand Pinot’s she rates, to suit every budget.
Joelle Thomson BeautyEQ wine writer
“Pinot Noir is New Zealand’s most popular red grape and there are over 5,600 hectares nationwide, mostly in the South Island where cool climate-loving Pinot thrives. ”
Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir 2017, $52
The Donaldson family has made wine for over 40 years and pioneered grape growing in Waipara, North Canterbury, where Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Sauvignon all do exceptionally well. This is one of the best Pinot Noirs in New Zealand every year. It’s made from the estate’s 30 year old Pinot Noir vines, planted on free draining, north facing terraces in Waipara. One third were whole bunch fermented to provide structure to this full bodied wine, which spent 18 months aging in Burgundian oak, 40 per cent new. The wine is dry and earthy with vivacious acidity adding balance to its power. Tastes great with gamey flavours.
Serve with: Mushroom risotto with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Graze with: Patè and crusty sourdough bread.
Joelle’s rating: 19/20
Giesen The Brothers Pinot Noir 2018, $26.
This 2018 Giesen The Brothers Pinot Noir is all silky and seductive, thanks to winemaker Nikolai St George, who made this lovely Pinot from hand picked grapes grown on Marlborough’s Southern Valleys’ hillside sites where chilly evenings slow the growing season, producing wines with noticeably zingy drive and length of flavour. It was aged in a mix of new (24%) and old French oak.
Serve with: Cannelloni with a side of freshly sautéed garlic mushrooms.
Graze with: Brie and black olives, with seed crackers.
Joelle’s rating 17.5/20
Churton Natural State Pinot Noir Marlborough 2019, $27.
Certified organic grapes were used to make this new 2019 Pinot Noir from Churton Estate’s second generation of winemakers, Ben and Jack Weaver. Their parents, Sam and Mandy Weaver established the winery in 1997 and have since built a reputation for small quantities of 100% certified organic wines. Natural State is no exception. It’s certified organic with BioGro NZ, fermented with indigenous yeasts and is smooth and fruity with a light touch. The 2019 growing season was outstanding and this Pinot expresses that with its deep purple style.
Serve with: A platter with slivers of smoked duck or your favourite finely sliced meat, and crackers.
Graze with: Chicken and thyme sausages with risotto.
Joelle’s rating: 17.5/20
Misha’s Vineyard Verismo Pinot Noir 2014, $75.
Martinborough winemaker Olly Masters has brought his magic touch to bear on this Central Otago Pinot Noir ever since its first vintage in 2008. The vineyard is owned by Misha and Andy Wilkinson who grow their grapes on the steep slopes above Lake Dunstan in Bendigo, Otago. This wine, Verismo, is their top Pinot and is released after significant ageing in order to ensure it’s as silky, seductive and delicious as possible upon release. Serve in a large glass with clean, earthy flavours, such as goat’s cheese and duck. Suggested food matches below.
Serve with: Duck, in a confit or Thai green curry.
Graze with: Goat cheese and seed crackers.
Joelle’s rating: 18.5/20