Wairau River Hitting the Right Notes with Lesser Known Marlborough Wines

Wairau River Wines picked up three awards at the Marlborough Wine Show, two of which were for lesser known varieties in the region.

The Wairau River Reserve Syrah 2020 picked up the Wine Marlborough Champion Other Red Varietal, made from grapes planted in Rapaura on a hunch in 2010.

“Marlborough has huge potential for the production of outstanding cool climate Syrah, something both Sam [Rose] and I have strongly believed since 2010, when we decided to establish a small block in his Angler Vineyard,” says Winemaker Nick Entwistle.

The vineyard has a penchant for carrying a heavy crop load, and is well managed by the vineyard team through a number of innovative techniques to reduce vigour and ensure even ripening, he says.

This, paired with optimal weather conditions, provided the perfect combination to create the winning wine.

“The 2020 growing season proved ideal for Syrah, allowing us to hand harvest at optimum physiological ripeness well before any pressure from weather events could unfold, resulting in levels of fruit concentration and complexity,” Nick says.

Fruit was treated gently in the winery; bunches gently destemmed and berries sorted before undergoing natural fermentation in a single French oak cuve and having minimal intervention prior to being bottled, where the wine will continue to develop positively for years to come

“Winning both the alternative white and red trophies feels amazing, and is a testament to the hard work put in by both the vineyard and winery teams to ensure these lesser known varieties become a success,” Nick says.

Wine Marlborough General Manager Marcus Pickens says it is important to support emerging talent and varieties in the region.

“We want to see every variety that is planted in Marlborough thrive and it's nice to recognise them.”

Syrah is a small but powerful variety for the region, he says.

“It just shows what we can do in viticulture here, it’s not easy to grow Syrah in Marlborough and it shows the talent we have here. It’s outstanding to see. 

“For visitors and people looking for something they like, a more full bodied red, it’s great to have them in the stable and be able to offer those wines.”