Marisco Leads the Way for Marlborough Pinot Noir

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The 2022 Marlborough Wine Show Champion Wine of the Show, sponsored by QuayConnect, is the result of years of hard work on the road to perfection.

Marisco Vineyards Proprietor and Winemaker Brent Marris says the journey of Marisco Vineyards ‘The King’s Wrath’ Pinot Noir 2021 began long before the 2021 vintage, way back when they first planted Pinot Noir grapes in Marlborough’s Southern Valleys.

"It’s the whole journey with the team, from when you find the site, to planting the vines and ultimately taking that fruit through to finished wine in the winery,” he says.

“To then be recognised by your peers for a great year and having a wine that comes through to winning Champion Wine of the region is pretty special. And that’s for the whole company, including logistics, finance, the whole team; and we very much feel like a team.”

Alongside taking the title of QuayConnect Champion Wine of the Show, the wine was the winner of the Classic Oak Products Champion Pinot Noir, Current Vintage.

Marisco Vineyards has had success with Pinot Noir at the show three years in a row, picking up  Classic Oak Products Champion Pinot Noir trophies in 2020, 2021 and 2022, as well as the Champion Wine of the Show in 2020 with their Leefield Station Pinot Noir 2019.

While not typically a variety to make waves for the region, Marlborough Pinot Noir has the potential to become renowned internationally, Brent says.

"I think Marlborough Pinot Noir is underrated. I now think there are many grape growers and winemakers working extremely hard on the Marlborough style as they recognise that the variety can grow well in the region. The quality is starting to flow through to the bottle, as the vines age and gain maturity.

“[Marlborough Pinot Noir] is starting to pick up and be recognised in the international market place.”

Show sponsor, QuayConnect General Manager Jaron McLeod was pleased to be able to present the show-winning trophy to Brent and his team, who have long been valued partners of the company.

“Marisco were an early supporter of QuayConnect, so it’s nice for us to be able to say thanks to them for the support,” he says.

 “[Sponsoring the Show] is really important for us to be able to show our support for the wine industry as a whole.”