Unkel Lifes a Beach 2023 - 13.5%

Your easy-breezy kiwi orange. A blend of skin-fermented Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurztraminer - all 5 days on skins. A striking nose of lemon rind, spice, peach and jasmine. A tad below medium-bodied. It has light tannin and is really refreshing. A great intro to orange wine.

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. 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 I, as many others do, are excited to see where this journey goes. It will be great. Get on board now.