Wally Vineyards The Real McCoy Pinot Gris Orange 2023

Creamy & Dry with Complex Umami

Gibbston is a particularly high-altitude basin within the cool-climate region of Central Otago. The climate here is even cooler compared to other sub-regions.

The grapes ripen slowly over time, naturally leading to lower yields and a tendency for smaller, more concentrated fruit flavors.

The delicate and complex characteristics that emerge from this slow ripening process are what define Gibbston's wines.

This 'The Real McCoy' from Valli Vineyards is one such wine that reflects the unique character of its land.

It's an orange wine, made by fermenting Pinot Gris (a grey-skinned grape variety) with its skins, resulting in a complex, slightly bitter, and dry flavor.

 

About the Vineyard

Only Pinot Gris grown in the Gibbston vineyard is used. Planted in 2001, the vines are over 25 years old. Planting density is 3,500 vines/ha, and yields are kept low at 6t/ha.

Valli first attempted skin fermentation with Gibbston Pinot Gris in 2015. Since then, they have consistently produced high-quality orange wines every year.

Winemaking Process

Harvested grapes are divided into three fermentation tanks, including the skins.

Some whole clusters (with stems) are used, and the proportion of whole clusters varies by fermentation tank.

Skin contact lasts approximately 28 days. After that, the wine is transferred to old barrels and aged for about 12 months. After malolactic fermentation (a process that softens acidity), it is bottled unfined and unfiltered. With virtually no residual sugar, it results in an extremely dry wine.

Tasting Notes

The color is beautiful. The pale peach hue extracted from the skins is the identity of this wine. As it's unfined and unfiltered, it may appear slightly hazy.

Aromas quickly emerge: apricot, peach, lychee, and orange peel. With a little time, wild sage and white flowers come through from the background.

On the palate, fruit and spice aromas immediately spread, and acidity is vibrantly felt. A creamy texture fills the mouth, leading to soft tannins. The finish has a slight bitterness reminiscent of citrus peel. While there's no sweetness, a rich fruitiness lingers gently for a long time.

I think it tastes better when not chilled too much. The ideal temperature is around 16-20°C.

It's also a wine that benefits from a little time after opening. If you have a decanter, use it. Otherwise, pour it into a glass and wait 15-20 minutes. Please enjoy the gradual opening process.

Several wine journalists have commented that this wine has the potential to age for over 15 years. How will "aged orange" develop? If you have space for orange in your cellar, be sure to keep some.

Recommended Pairings

Pair with bold dishes that can stand up to the tannins of orange wine.

For spicy dishes: Cumin-spiced chicken sauté, or gaprao rice. The bitterness of the wine and the spices harmonize, creating a sharp and refined overall flavor.

For umami and fermented dishes: Pork belly braised with star anise, or mapo tofu. For dishes rich in fat and umami, the wine's tannins do an excellent job.

For Japanese cuisine: Katsuobushi tataki (seared bonito) with sansho salt. The stimulating salt and sansho perfectly complement the dry finish of this wine.

About Valli Vineyards

Valli Wine was established in 1998 by New Zealand's legendary winemaker, Grant Taylor. The winery is named in homage to his great-grandfather, Giuseppe Valli, who immigrated from Italy.

At the heart of their winemaking philosophy is "capturing the essence of the land in the bottle." They convey through wine the fascinating fact that even the same grape variety can taste astonishingly different depending on where it's grown (climate and soil).

"Two Genius Winemakers" Recognized Globally

Valli's greatest strength lies in the collaboration of two world-class winemakers.

Grant Taylor (Founder)

A leading pioneer in New Zealand. He is the only legendary winemaker in the world to have won the unprecedented "Best Pinot Noir Award" four times at an international competition in London.

Jen Parr (Co-Winemaker)

A talented winemaker who joined in 2015. Hailing from the USA, she has extensive experience both domestically and internationally and is a recipient of New Zealand's "Winemaker of the Year" award.

"Four Vineyards" with Distinct Personalities

Valli primarily produces Pinot Noir, the king of red wines, as well as white wines such as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Riesling. Their four regions (vineyards) each possess completely different characteristics.

Gibbston

Characteristics

A very cool place where grapes ripen most slowly.

Taste

Slow ripening results in an elegant, refined, complex, and delicate taste. Rare "orange wines" are also produced here.

Bannockburn

Characteristics

Only 20km from Gibbston, but a warmer area.

Taste

This wine is dark in color, with powerful fruit flavors and appropriate tannins that provide structure, resulting in a robust wine.

Bendigo

Characteristics

A warm vineyard that always receives abundant sunshine and retains heat well.

Taste

Characterized by a rich, full-bodied flavor, often described as a "friendly beast."

Waitaki

Characteristics

A new region established in 2004. The soil is limestone, similar to the prestigious Burgundy region of France.

Taste

Characterized by a floral aroma like perfume, crisp, clear acidity, and minerality. The Chardonnay, in particular, is considered exquisite.

Terroir Woven by Two Artisans. Inviting Drinkers on a Special Journey

Valli Wine is a winery born from the fusion of New Zealand's magnificent nature and the exceptional skill of two artisans.

Even without difficult technical knowledge, the greatest appeal is being able to clearly experience the differences in regional character (terroir) simply by "comparing wines from each vineyard." They deliver beautiful and honest wines that take drinkers, from beginners to connoisseurs, on a special journey.

About Central Otago

Central Otago, the southernmost wine region in the country, is known as a renowned Pinot Noir region and is considered one of the "world's three great Pinot Noir regions," alongside Burgundy and Oregon.

Beyond Pinot Noir, the region focuses on cultivating aromatic white grapes. This area is the only semi-continental climate among NZ's wine regions, characterized by large diurnal temperature shifts, a cool climate, and very dry conditions.

It is also a treasure trove of small wineries, and winery tours based in the scenic town of Queenstown are popular.

Valli Vineyards "The Real McCoy" Pinot Gris Orange Wine 2023

Item	Details
Winery Name	Valli Vineyards
Country of Origin	New Zealand
Region	Central Otago
Type	Orange
Grape Variety	Pinot Gris
Vintage	2023
Alcohol Content	13.5%
Volume	750ml
Other
Remarks	Screwcap