Greystone in North Canterbury, New Zealand, has garnered attention for its innovative approaches to winemaking, particularly under the leadership of its winemaker Dom Maxwell and viticulturist Liam Burgess. The estate covers 120 hectares, with 40 hectares dedicated to vines, primarily composed of Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. They transitioned to organic farming in 2014 and have embraced sustainable practices to enhance vineyard health.
One significant development at Greystone is their "regeneration block," which incorporates livestock grazing within the vineyard. This method has shown potential benefits for soil health by utilizing sheep to manage under-vine growth and reduce the need for machinery, thus lowering carbon emissions. The block contains Pinot Noir and Riesling planted to a unique high wire trellising system, allowing for year-round sheep grazing.
Burgess highlights the benefits of this system in improving soil compaction and nutrient cycling, which leads to healthier vines and potentially superior fruit quality. The conversion process began in 2021, and the vineyard is already seeing comparable yields to its other blocks.
The wines produced at Greystone are a testament to their innovative and organic practices. The 2023 Greystone Pinot Gris is noted for its juicy character and dynamic range, scoring 93 points. The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, with its unique barrel fermentation, impresses with its texture and depth, also earning 93 points. The Chardonnay series is especially well-received, including the Organic Chardonnay 2021, which scored 94 points, and the 2023 version that showcases a vibrant fruit profile with a 94-point score.
Greystone’s Pinot Noir has similarly achieved acclaim. The current release, 2019 Pinot Noir, is celebrated for its harmonious flavors and drinking appeal, while the 2021 Vineyard Ferment Pinot Noir demonstrates a complex structure, earning a 95-point rating. The new Block 7 wines, particularly the 2023 Pinot Noir and Riesling, also reflect the innovative vineyard practices, showcasing elegance and purity.
The winery continues to push boundaries in winemaking, exemplifying how traditional practices can be effectively integrated with innovative farming methods to produce exceptional wines. For more information on Greystone and its offerings, visit Greystone Wines.