Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Grenache 2022

Please mind this product is available to pre-order for deliver w/c 2nd November.

Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Grenache 2022 shows a different side of New Zealand red wine. Light crimson in the glass, fragrant and medium-bodied, it puts red-berry fruit and floral aromas centre stage. This is an elegant, immediately enjoyable expression of Grenache, with enough savoury interest to keep each glass interesting. If you enjoy reds with perfume and character rather than sheer weight, it deserves a place on your table.

Based in Hawke’s Bay, Esk Valley has built its reputation on a traditional, hands-on approach that allows its vineyards to speak for themselves. Alongside its established wines, the estate has also made room for experimentation. This bottle is a particularly interesting part of that story, and one of the last wines made at Esk Valley by Gordon Russell before he stepped down in 2023, following 30 years leading the winemaking.

The Grenache comes from a tiny 0.84-hectare parcel in the Ngakirikiri Vineyard, planted as an experiment in 1996. Its home is the stony ground of the Gimblett Gravels, making this a chance to explore a less familiar combination of grape and place. The 2022 blend brings together 86% Grenache and 14% Syrah, with Grenache firmly setting the wine’s fragrant, red-fruited character.

Aromas of dried rose petals lead into red berries, liquorice and a delicate herbal note. On the palate, the medium weight gives the fruit room to shine without making the wine feel heavy. The floral and savoury details add another layer, offering something a little more intriguing than straightforward berry flavours alone. Its pale colour is part of the appeal: this is a red whose personality comes through in its fragrance and balance. Serve at around 14°C, slightly cooler than many people would usually pour a red, to enjoy that aromatic character.

Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Grenache 2022 Food Pairing Suggestion:

Try it with roast duck legs served with thyme and roasted beetroot, bringing together the wine’s berry fruit and gentle herbal character. Grilled lamb cutlets with rosemary would also make a delicious match, with the savoury seasoning picking up its aromatic notes. For a vegetarian option, choose roasted aubergine with lentils, tomatoes and Mediterranean herbs. The wine’s medium-bodied style makes it a useful choice for dishes with plenty of flavour without needing a particularly rich sauce.