The Wine: Black Cottage Pinot Gris 2026, Marlborough RRP from $20.00

A classic modern style of Gris with a pungent, very bright, and fruity bouquet, and core of bosc pear and apple, some white spice, sweet citrus peel and fine lees suggestions then a touch of fresh quince flesh. A just-dry expression with a tickle of sugar as the wine touches the palate adding to a satin-cream mouthfeel with acidity for contrast and freshness. Balanced, well-made, and ready for the warm days ahead. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2028.

The Vintage

2026 was an outstanding vintage for this producer and for many across the Motu. A dry start to the growing season followed by a cool January and warm settled weather with warm, sunny days and cool nights leading up to the harvest. With a well-managed vineyard site this delivers fruit with optimal ripeness and concentration and plenty of acidity.

The Food

Because there’s a tickle of sweetness with this wine it is well suited to dishes that have a spice kick. I can recommend:

A horopito spiced rub on a fillet of fresh fish (dry the leaves, mix with sea salt flakes and some pepper and grind down with a mortar and pestle).

If it’s still a bit cooler in your region, then a spiced coconut and kumara soup with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger.

Or oven roasted fingerling potatoes with parmesan cheese and paprika as a side dish.

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