Unkel Rio Pinot Gris 2022

A very well balanced orange made from Pinot Gris. Perfect introduction to the style or take it as an example of restraint used with skin-contact white wines.

Skin-fermented pinot gris composed of ⅔ de-stemmed fruit with ⅓ pressed over top and fermented on skins for 7 days.

Subtle orange rind and sea salt nose. Robust in flavour yet light-footed on the palete with more orange pith, pear and a salty finish. Fantastic with spicy foods particuarly hummus or falafel with middle-eastern spices.

Remember those friendly kiwis (a.k.a New Zealanders) you met on holiday? They were smiley and charming. Always open hearted and cheerful. This is them. Bottled. By Kiwi couple Rob and Kate Burley.

After traversing the wine world making and selling (and probably drinking) wine. Rob and Kate settled in Nelson, at the far north of South Island, New Zealand. Nelson is known for it's sunny and relatively dry climate with cool minimum temperatures driving acitdity and flavour developement in the wines. Rob previously worked and released wine under the same name/label in Australia while working for Australian winemaking legends (which we have) Patrick Sullivan and Bill Downie. But in 2019 they managed to get 5 ha under a long-term lease and started making/releasing wine under the Unkel label from their own paddock and winery.

They farm organically and are awaiting certification. They work primarily with Pinot Noir, Pinot gris, Riesling, Chardonnay and of course a bit of Sauv Blanc.

These are early days for Unkel. The wines are likewise youthful and exciting but by no means immature. They are ready to drink and easy to appreciate. But we are excited to see where this journey goes. We think it will be great. Get on board now.