{"title":"Wairau River","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"wairau-river-sauvignon-blanc-2019","title":"Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc 2024\/25","description":"\u003cp\u003eClassic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - Medium bodied, aromatic, dry, crisp \u0026amp; clean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMore Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes: \u003c\/strong\u003eClassic expression of the dry, gooseberry, grass and passion fruit style of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Clean and crisp it is bursting with a flinty minerality with flavours of grapefruit, gooseberry, herbs and white stone fruit. Expressive on the palate, finishing with great length. This fashionable white wine is a benchmark by which New World Sauvignons are judged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWairau River wines take their name from the river that runs through the heart of the Marlborough wine region. (Wairau is Maori for `many waters`). The Rose family were pioneers in planting vines in the 1970`s and after originally selling the grapes to other wineries (like Cloudy Bay) they launched their own label in the early 1990`s. Today their foresight has created a very successful company which remains family owned and run. Wairau River is one of the largest independent wine estates in Marlborough, and the range of elegant wines is characteristically expressive of its Marlborough roots.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCertified sustainable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Match :\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA good accompaniment to fish, shellfish, grilled vegetables and asparagus.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eABV: \u003c\/strong\u003e13%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape :\u003c\/strong\u003e Sauvignon Blanc\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer : \u003c\/strong\u003eRose Family Estate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry : \u003c\/strong\u003eMarlborough, New Zealand\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wairau River","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39574292758712,"sku":"NZW-WRS-001","price":14.59,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0458\/5289\/products\/WairauRiverSauvignonblanc600.jpg?v=1643734914"},{"product_id":"wairau-river-pinot-gris-2019","title":"Wairau River Pinot Gris 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eBeautiful fruit flavours with creamy texture \u0026amp; mineral finish. Dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMore Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes: \u003c\/strong\u003eWairau river has some of the oldest Pinot Gris vines in New Zealand, planted in 1990. This trendy mineral influenced Marlborough white, captures the very essence of the regions clean and pure climate. Succulent ripe pear on the nose, with melon, apple and apricot flavours. Light lees ageing gives the palate some weight and a creamy texture without being cloying. A lingering finish complements the exotic spice and fleshy character, with well-integrated lemon notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWairau River wines take their name from the river that runs through the heart of the Marlborough wine region. (Wairau is Maori for `many waters`). The Rose family were pioneers in planting vines in the 1970`s and after originally selling the grapes to other wineries (like Cloudy Bay) they launched their own label in the early 1990`s. Today their foresight has created a very successful company which remains family owned and run. Wairau River is one of the largest independent wine estates in Marlborough, and the range of elegant wines is characteristically expressive of its Marlborough roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarlborough is by far New Zealand’s largest grape growing region with more than two-thirds of all plantings. First planted in 1873 it is known in the region by the Maori name, Kei puta te Wairau meaning ‘the place with the hole in the cloud’ due to its very high 2,410 sunshine hours a year. High sunshine and a dry growing season help to create the famous intense flavours. Generally, plantings are in two main valleys of Wairau and Awatere. Much of the land is alluvial river basin with well-drained soils that provide an ideal for Sauvignon Blanc and clay slopes better suited Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Match : \u003c\/strong\u003e It is the ideal wine to accompany rich creamy foods and white meats, Chinese and Thai foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eABV: \u003c\/strong\u003e13%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape : \u003c\/strong\u003ePinot Gris 92%, Chardonnay 6% \u0026amp; Gewürztraminer 2%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer : \u003c\/strong\u003eWairau River\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry : \u003c\/strong\u003eMarlborough, New Zealand\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wairau River","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39673596903608,"sku":"NZW-WPG-001","price":16.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0458\/5289\/files\/WairauRiverPinotGris600.png?v=1685101498"},{"product_id":"wairau-river-estate-pinot-noir-2019","title":"Wairau River Estate Pinot Noir 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e A Pinot Noir to rival those from Burgundy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMore Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes : \u003c\/strong\u003eAn excellent expression of varietal character with concentrated notes of raspberry, cherry and wild berry fruits, accompanied with rich savoury bramble and hints of oak. and supple tannins for an elegant structure. This Pinot Noir comes from low yielding vines to create wines this great intensity of flavour. The grapes are destemmed and fermented in open top container with hand plunging for more extraction of flavour and tannin and then aged in oak for 9 months, creating a Pinot Noir to rival those from Burgundy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWairau River wines take their name from the river that runs through the heart of the Marlborough wine region. (Wairau is Maori for `many waters`). The Rose family were pioneers in planting vines in the 1970`s and after originally selling the grapes to other wineries (like Cloudy Bay) they launched their own label in the early 1990`s. Today their foresight has created a very successful company which remains family owned and run. Wairau River is one of the largest independent wine estates in Marlborough, and the range of elegant wines is characteristically expressive of its Marlborough roots.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMarlborough is by far New Zealand’s largest grape growing region with more than two-thirds of all plantings. First planted in 1873 it is known in the region by the Maori name, Kei puta te Wairau meaning ‘the place with the hole in the cloud’ due to its very high 2,410 sunshine hours a year. High sunshine and a dry growing season help to create the famous intense flavours. Generally, plantings are in two main valleys of Wairau and Awatere. Much of the land is alluvial river basin with well-drained soils that provide an ideal for Sauvignon Blanc and clay slopes better suited Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Match :\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLamb, Spiced Duck, Char Siu Pork, Roast Chicken with Confit Ragù, Wild mushrooms and Polenta with Goat cheese and Herbs, Mushroom Risotto\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eABV: \u003c\/strong\u003e13%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape : \u003c\/strong\u003ePinot Noir\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer :\u003c\/strong\u003e Rose Family Estate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry : \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMarlborough, New Zealand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wairau River","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42383873671397,"sku":"NZR-WRP-001","price":17.59,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0458\/5289\/files\/WairauRiverPinotNoir600.jpg?v=1698928558"},{"product_id":"wairau-river-black-label-reserve-sauvignon-blanc-2022","title":"Wairau River 'Black Label' Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e Typical Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, but with creamy texture and complex finish. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMore Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes : \u003c\/strong\u003eWairau River`s reserve range are high quality wines made from carefully selected parcels of fruit. The reserve Sauvignon is from the Longbend vineyard on the banks of the Opawa River, this single vineyard wine has an intense nose of citrus and passionfruit with vibrant gooseberry, gunflint and mineral nuances. A fresh tropical palate is finely textured and seamless from extended lees contact creating a complex finish and creamy texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWairau River wines take their name from the river that runs through the heart of the Marlborough wine region. (Wairau is Maori for `many waters`). The Rose family were pioneers in planting vines in the 1970`s and after originally selling the grapes to other wineries (like Cloudy Bay) they launched their own label in the early 1990`s. Today their foresight has created a very successful company which remains family owned and run. Wairau River is one of the largest independent wine estates in Marlborough, and the range of elegant wines is characteristically expressive of its Marlborough roots.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarlborough is by far New Zealand’s largest grape growing region with more than two-thirds of all plantings. First planted in 1873 it is known in the region by the Maori name, Kei puta te Wairau meaning ‘the place with the hole in the cloud’ due to its very high 2,410 sunshine hours a year. High sunshine and a dry growing season help to create the famous intense flavours. Generally, plantings are in two main valleys of Wairau and Awatere. Much of the land is alluvial river basin with well-drained soils that provide an ideal for Sauvignon Blanc and clay slopes better suited Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Match :\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA good accompaniment to seafood including grilled sea bass, roasted mediterranean vegetables, fresh pea soup, asparagus or chicken chasseur.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eABV : \u003c\/strong\u003e12.5%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape : \u003c\/strong\u003eSauvignon Blanc 100%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer : \u003c\/strong\u003eRose Family Estate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry : \u003c\/strong\u003eMarlborough\u003cstrong\u003e, \u003c\/strong\u003eNew Zealand\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wairau River","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44370619138277,"sku":"NZW-WRS-002","price":17.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0458\/5289\/files\/WairauRiverReserveSauvBlanc600.jpg?v=1698928776"},{"product_id":"wairau-river-albarino-black-label-reserve-2025","title":"Wairau River Albarino Reserve 2025","description":"\u003cp\u003eAromatic with green apple, grapefruit \u0026amp; white peach with saline minerality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMore Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:  \u003c\/strong\u003eGrown in their Angler vineyard, this wine has elegant citrus blossom aromatics combine seamlessly with notes of green apple, grapefruit and white peach. The palate is vibrant and refreshing, with mid palate fruit weight and a saline texture providing\u003cbr\u003estructure and length, in combination with fine mineral acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSourced exclusively from their Angler vineyard on the banks of the Wairau River, select bunches were carefully hand harvested in the cool of the morning followed by destemming and overnight skin contact. Gentle pressing to extract only the finest free run juice, followed by fermentation in small volume stainless steel vessels to retain the elegant floral aromatics and bright acidity. The wine was kept on light lees for an extended period post fermentation to help build texture and complexity on the palate, followed by finishing and bottling on the Wairau River estate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 1978, Phil and Chris Rose secured consent to plant the first grapevines on the northern side of the Wairau Valley, despite strong opposition. Their belief that viticulture could succeed there helped shape Marlborough's wine story and marked the beginning of Wairau River Wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"body-text markdown xs:max-w-300\"\u003eToday, the estate extends across more than 500 hectares on the northern side of the Wairau Valley. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir form the heart of the range, alongside a carefully selected collection of other Marlborough varietals. While the estate has grown, the focus remains the same: producing quality fruit through careful, hands-on vineyard management.\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"body-text markdown xs:max-w-300\"\u003eThat definition of \"family\" extends to the next generation too. While there’s no pressure for the youngest generation to join the business, there’s definitely curiosity. The oldest grandson recently completed a summer internship at the winery to get hands-on experience in the real-world workings of winemaking and the laboratory; and the younger ones are a regular sight helping out on the bottling line and in the warehouse during the school holidays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Match :\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003eGrilled prawns with garlic and lemon, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeafood paella, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCeviche with citrus and chilli, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrilled octopus with smoked paprika oil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eABV: \u003c\/strong\u003e12.5%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape : \u003c\/strong\u003eAlbarino\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer : \u003c\/strong\u003eRose Family Estate, Wairau River \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry : \u003c\/strong\u003eMarlborough, New Zealand\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wairau River","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":58601300558198,"sku":"NZW-WAA-001","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0458\/5289\/files\/Wairauriveralbarino600_d8455d93-f914-4ceb-8f71-b999c5e8c9e8.jpg?v=1789047513"},{"product_id":"wairau-river-gweurztraminer-2024","title":"Wairau River Gewurztraminer 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eAromatic with complex layers of gingerbread, lychee \u0026amp; rose petal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMore Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTasting Notes: A vibrant perfumed nose of elderflower, rose petal and lychee. The palate is layered and complex, with notes of gingerbread and candied mandarin zest intertwined with delicate spice creating a silky mouthfeel and lingering finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvested in the cool of the early morning from the Rapaura vineyard surrounding the winery, the fruit was destemmed and held on skins in the press for 24 hours to extract flavour and phenolics. Press cuts were made to allow settling of the free run and light pressings separately, before recombination for fermentation in small format stainless steel\u003cbr\u003etanks. Tanks were chilled to arrest the fermentation early and achieve the perfect alcohol and residual sugar balance, with the wine kept on light lees for an extended period to help build texture and aromatic complexity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA dry winter was followed by periods of cooler unsettled weather during flowering and fruit set, which resulted in reduced numbers of berries per bunch. This combined with a return to the classic dry windy weather Marlborough is renowned for led to a significant reduction in yield from the long-term average.\u003cbr\u003eThe ripening period was characterised by long hot days and cool nights which were crucial to retaining vibrant acidity in such a dry year. Without any significant rainfall events throughout the growing season the viticulture and winemaking teams were afforded the luxury of perfect ripening conditions for the production high quality fruit without any weather or disease concerns.\u003cbr\u003eTargeted irrigation management ensured the vines maintained a healthy canopy throughout, with overall vine health unparalleled, resulting in wines of intense concentration, balance, and tension. Picking commenced earlier than in previous vintages at the beginning of March, with the fine settled weather continuing through to the end of harvest in mid-April, allowing a more relaxed picking schedule and extended hang-time for later ripening varieties. Certainly, one of the most outstanding vintages we have ever experienced. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Match : \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003ePork and ginger stir-fry, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLaksa, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuck pancakes with hoisin sauce, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFoie gras\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eABV: \u003c\/strong\u003e12.5%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape : \u003c\/strong\u003eGewurztraminer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer : \u003c\/strong\u003eRose Family Estate, Wairau River\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry : \u003c\/strong\u003eMarlborough, New Zealand\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wairau River","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":58601306554742,"sku":"NZW-WAG-001","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0458\/5289\/files\/wairau-river-gewurztraminer-reserva600.jpg?v=1789040126"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.darcywine.co.uk\/collections\/wairau-river\/gewurztraminer.oembed","provider":"D'Arcy Wines","version":"1.0","type":"link"}