Escarpment Pinot Gris 2025

Escarpment Pinot Gris 2025

• Region: Wairarapa
• Sub-Region: Martinborough (Te Muna Road)
• Varieties: Pinot Gris

Vineyard From Escarpment Vineyard, founded in 1998 by pioneering winemaker Larry McKenna — one of the first to champion single-vineyard, site-specific winemaking in Martinborough. The Pinot Gris is sourced entirely from the Te Muna Road subregion, grown on the alluvial gravel soils that define the Martinborough Terrace. It's deliberately modelled on the heady, textural Pinot Gris of Alsace rather than a lighter New World style: fermented and aged in old French barriques, then bottled after around four months in barrel to build complexity and richness while keeping freshness intact.

Wine A wine of real texture and weight rather than a simple, fruity Pinot Gris — the extended barrel contact brings depth and a rounder mouthfeel, positioning it as a genuine alternative to Chardonnay for those who want something more savoury and structured. Drinks well young but can cellar successfully for up to five years, softening into an even richer profile.

Food Pairings

• Charcuterie board (as an aperitif)
• Roast poultry
• Light seafood

Accolades (2025)

• 93/100 points — The Real Review (ranked #6 of 54 2025 Pinot Gris from New Zealand)