Novella Pinot Gris 2022

This Novella Pinot Gris showcases the unique alpine terroir of Whitlands, where winemaker Clare Burder navigates challenging high-altitude conditions to create something special. Unlike many commercial pinot gris that can be simple and one-dimensional, this wine displays remarkable complexity with floral aromatics and unexpected cool red fruit characters. The alpine climate creates intense diurnal temperature shifts that preserve acidity while allowing for full flavour development, resulting in a wine that's both immediately appealing and cellar-worthy.

The interplay between stone fruit sweetness and citrus acidity creates a beautifully balanced flavour profile that's characteristic of well-made pinot gris. The apricot provides richness and texture, while the grapefruit adds brightness and prevents the wine from becoming cloying. This combination, enhanced by subtle yoghurt-like creaminess, suggests the wine has undergone partial malolactic fermentation or lees contact, techniques that add complexity without overwhelming the variety's natural elegance.

Pinot gris grapes actually have pinkish-grey skins, and when handled carefully, can impart subtle red fruit nuances to the wine. Clare Burder's winemaking approach likely includes some skin contact or gentle pressing techniques that extract these delicate flavours without creating a rosé-style wine. This red fruit character, combined with the cool alpine climate, creates a unique expression that bridges the gap between traditional white wine freshness and the more complex, textural style that pinot gris can achieve.

The medium-bodied nature and fresh, juicy style make this wine incredibly versatile with food. The floral aromatics and fruit complexity pair beautifully with Asian cuisine, particularly Thai or Vietnamese dishes where the wine's acidity cuts through rich coconut-based sauces. The yoghurt-like creaminess also makes it excellent with soft cheeses, while the grapefruit acidity provides a perfect counterpoint to seafood dishes or roasted chicken with herbs.

While delightful now with its vibrant fruit and floral expression, this wine will reward patience over the next few years. The alpine terroir and Clare Burder's winemaking approach have created a pinot gris with genuine ageing potential, unusual for the variety. As it develops, expect the floral notes to integrate further while honeyed complexity emerges, and the red fruit characters to become more pronounced. However, given its immediate appeal and the winemaker's own admission about summer consumption, there's no wrong time to enjoy it.