New World: Pinot Gris
2019 Gold 2 Silver 3 Bronze 1 Commended 4
2018 Gold 2 Silver 5 Bronze 2 Commended 8
Rather like Riesling, this category is often a straight shoot-out between Australia and New Zealand. But whereas the Aussies are winning the Riesling battle hands down, on this evidence Pinot Gris is being shaded by the Kiwis. Just.
The majority of the wines here were ‘Gris’ rather than ‘Grigio’ in style, richer, plusher and more textured, though the well-priced Jarrah Wood Pinot Grigio impressed our judges sufficiently for it to pick up a place on the Gold List.
All in all, a pretty good category, with several tasters pointing out the food-friendliness of this style, for Asian food in particular. Let’s get more of them in next year, maybe from other parts of the world. Our tasters are receptive – particularly around the £12 price point.
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘These seemed to fall off a bit as they got more expensive, and some screamed “Sauvignon Blanc”, almost as if they had put in some magic Sauvignon Blanc yeasts. Ideally, you’re looking for peach and apricot notes, with a spicy, lifted character, and we did find some of these, too.’ Nigel Lister, team leader
‘There was a really diverse array of styles and price points here, and high quality winemaking in general. I’m biased towards leaner, citric styles, but there were other styles that were commercially valid here, too.’ Tim Smith, CuVée VIII
‘There was a wide range of styles here, but ultimately these were good wines, and food-friendly, especially for Asian restaurants.’ Olivier Gasselin, Hakkasan