Ara Single Estate Pinot Gris 2017 Marlborough, New Zealand 75cl

Ara is one of Marlborough’s larger single-site estates, growing its fruit across one contiguous vineyard rather than buying in from many growers. That single-estate approach lets the team match each parcel to the wine it suits best, and the Single Estate range is the everyday face of that work.

This is pure Pinot Gris, picked to a gently off-dry style and kept unoaked so the fruit stays clean and forward. Marlborough has become one of New Zealand’s most dependable homes for the grape, where cool nights hold on to aromatics and acidity, and Ara’s version aims for easy drinking rather than weight. Sealed under screwcap and made without oak, it is built for freshness and early enjoyment rather than the cellar.

The 2017 season in Marlborough was a cooler, less settled year that favoured fresh, bright whites. With time in bottle this wine has rounded out a little, trading some of its early zip for a softer, riper feel while keeping its refreshing core.

Expect aromas of fresh pear and honeysuckle, then a palate of ripe orchard fruit, green apple and nectarine lifted by a citrus edge. A whisper of sweetness is balanced by crisp acidity, and there is a smooth, juicy mid-palate that makes it very easy to come back to before a clean, dry-leaning finish.

This is an approachable, crowd-pleasing white for anyone who finds Sauvignon Blanc too sharp and Chardonnay too rich. Serve it well chilled with roast chicken, fresh salads or a creamy pasta, or simply on its own on a warm evening.