Te Kano Life Series Pinot Gris 2022

Te Kano Estate, a family-owned winery in Central Otago, New Zealand, was established by the Lloyd family, whose journey began with the purchase of a vineyard on the famed Felton Road in Bannockburn, followed by the discovery of the breathtakingly beautiful Northburn site.

Their vision to rejuvenate the land and produce exceptional wines. Indeed, the name ‘Te Kano’ means ‘The Seed’ in Māori, and reflects their commitment to restoring a landscape which was altered for the worse by decades of gold mining dating back to the mid nineteenth century. It’s a commitment symbolise by an ancient Kōwhai tree, once common in the area, and which they are now re-establishing (they have propagated over 900 so far).

The estate focuses on crafting premium quality, artisanal wines, through sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking.

The fruit came from Waitaki (65%) and Northburn (35%) vineyards. The high altitude and schist of Northburn deliver tropical fruits and a slaty minerality, while Waitaki’s chalky soils and cooler season add delicate aromatics and a gentle phenolic structure. Grapes were hand-harvested by vineyard, and fermented in stainless steel at very low temperatures. A period of ageing on full fermentation solids to build mid-palate body and complexity prior to bottling.