Marlborough Wine Show 2022 Champion Other White a Labour of Love
Marlborough Wine Show 2022 Champion Other White a Labour of Love
Image: Richard Briggs Photography
Saint Clair Pioneer Block 28 Camp Block Pinot Blanc 2019 has shown huge promise in its second vintage, picking up the Move Freight Champion Other White Wine Trophy at the 2022 Marlborough Wine Show.
Saint Clair Family Estate Winemaker Heather Stewart says receiving the award was extra special for the company, given that it is a recent addition to their offerings.
"It is always an honour to be awarded for wines which we have made, but it is especially nice to receive recognition for a wine which is a personal favourite, and such a small parcel and labour of love," she says.
"This was only the second vintage that we produced this wine, after being lucky enough to be offered the grapes by a grower with a really special vineyard at the confluence of the Waihopai and Wairau rivers."
The 'alternate' variety is one of many now being produced in Marlborough, and it is exciting to be a part of the development, and of such a vibrant winemaking community, Heather says.
"Pinot Blanc was a new variety for us all, in terms of winemaking, and producing a new varietal is always a journey of discovery, understanding the unique characteristics and enhancing them to produce a wine which we love and which speaks of where it is grown.
"I love aromatic, textural, mineral, dry whites, and this vineyard, in fact Marlborough in general, produces fruit with lovely acidity and aromatics, and we fermented it to dryness and incorporated a textural element through gentle lees work."
Saint Clair Family Estate Director and Marketing Manager Julie Ibbotson says the Marlborough Wine Show enables local producers to showcase the potential of the region.
"We love the Marlborough Wine Show as it showcases all that Marlborough has to offer which goes well beyond Sauvignon Blanc. Whilst Sauvignon Blanc is what put Marlborough on the world stage, it is great seeing other varietals shine and proves depth within our offering."
Move Freight Branch Manager Stephen Smith said the company is delighted to sponsor this Other White category of the awards.
“We have worked with the Marlborough wine industry for more than 50 years, providing services from harvest through to storage and delivery of bulk and bottled wines within New Zealand and to ports for export to the world. We are so proud of the wonderful vineyards and wineries we work with, which consistently produce amazing wines every season," he says.
"We see the passion, hard work and dedication that goes into every bottle of wine and are very pleased to congratulate the Saint Clair team for winning the award with their Saint Clair Pioneer Block 28 Camp Block Pinot Blanc 2019. Our congratulations also go to all the other finalists and winners."