The viticultural and winemaking teams of Pernod-Ricard here are among the most experienced and well-backed in New Zealand. Constant research and development has lifted the quality of all of the wines under the Pernod-Ricard umbrella, and a strong sense of innovation is apparent. The ‘Terroir Series’ of wines, designed to highlight regional differences, released several years ago has evolved into the new ‘Showcase Series’. These are wines which demonstrate the best of vineyard sites, winemaking and new varieties, and are truly exciting. It should come as no surprise, that the wines are very accessible in price. We offer the inaugural releases here:

Montana ‘Showcase Series’ Marlborough Sauvignon Gris 2009
Not a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, as might be assumed from the name, but a pink-skinned mutation of Sauvignon Blanc and considered a variety in its own right. Originating from ancient Bordeaux, Sauvignon Gris has found its way here, where its cousin, the Blanc has proven successful in global terms. The Gris is sufficiently different, however, to warrant attention. Sourced from sites on the southern side of the Wairau Valley with Awatere fruit making the balance, the juice was cool fermented to 13.9% alc., and 5.2 g/l rs. The wine is strikingly aromatic, with soft, but intense, dominant blackcurrant leaf characters lifted with a sweet citrus and tropical fruit nuances. The palate possesses a textural quality and almost unctuous presence that most Sauvignon Blanc wines do not have. As with Sauvignon Blanc, this Sauvignon Gris will suit seafood and salads especially well.

Montana ‘Showcase Series’ Gisborne Arneis 2008
There is considerable world-wide interest in the indigenous white varieties of Italy and Spain, as they are not ‘classical’, yet have characteristics in the wines they produce that are classical, albeit different. The home for Arneis is Piedmont in north-west Italy, and the wines are full-bodied, with spicy pear, citrus, herb and mineral flavours. The best examples have a startling line and length through the palate. Made from hand-picked fruit from Montana’s Patutahi vineyard, whole bunch pressed using the gentle Champagne cycle, this was fermented carefully to preserve the aromatic subtlety of the wine. Full-bodied at 13.5% alc, and dry at 3.2 g/l rs, this would be a match with lighter seafood or pasta dishes. The traditional pairing of Arneis is with melon wrapped with prosciutto.

Montana ‘Showcase Series’ Gisborne Viognier 2008
The exotic white Rhone variety Viognier has made a strong impact on the wine world and along with Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre has made the ‘Rhone Ranger’ set very exciting. Viognier requires warmth to perform and Gisborne is proving to be a particularly suitable region for it in New Zealand. Made from fruit from Montana’s Ormond vineyard, 18% was hand-picked, whole cluster pressed and wild yeast fermented and aged in old French oak with lees stirring for 7 months, resulting in a wine at 13.3% alc., and 6.08 g/l rs. Possessing a sensational aromatic bouquet of apricots, florals and orange zest, the palate is surprisingly elegant and fresh, while displaying generous savoury spice and well-ripened stonefruit flavours. As Viogniers should, this has real textural depth and length, enabling the wine to match strong seafood, lighter meat and Asian-influenced dishes.