Church Road McDonald Series Pinot Gris

Church Road’s label celebrating the life of wine legend Tom McDonald – in some circles nicknamed the “Father of red wine in New Zealand”.

Tom was a spotty faced teenager in 1921 when his career in wine kicked off. Over the next 55 years he turned winemaking in Hawke’s Bay on its head, scooping many accolades for his premium, complex Chardonnay and Bordeaux style reds. You don’t get awarded the Order of the British Empire for nothing you know!

Scoring 5 Stars with Michael Cooper in the NZ Listener in his article “36 affordable tipples you can bank on” – “Estate grown inland, this Alsace-style wine is full of personality and a top buy. Attractively scented and weighty, it has concentrated peach, pear and spice flavours, a slightly oily texture, a distinct splash of sweetness and balanced acidity. Still unfolding but already delicious, it should be at its best 2028+. “

A lush, full bodied, rich style Gris that reminded us a lot like the style from Alsace in France. A white like this is just the ticket if you’re eating spicy Asian cuisine (don’t be shy in busting it out cheeseboards and pâté as well).