Bright spots in challenging times
find winemakers in the region who were able to step in for the 2020 vintage.
Then their long-term viticulturist Dale Springer decided it was time to retire after the vintage and enjoy the many things Nelson has to offer. ‘‘Dale has worked with us for 20 years, and we knew him as a friend, before that so it is a big change for us,’’ the Neales said. ‘‘He has been an important part of our lives.
‘‘We have now employed a permanent winemaker . . . and have recently employed a new viticulturist.’’
Ben Brooks joined the Brightwater team just a couple of weeks ago. He has worked in vineyards on Waiheke Island for the last few years.
Ben and his partner moved to Nelson last November. He was working at Seifried Estate Family Winemakers before making the move to Brightwater Vineyards.
Among the many changes in the local wine industry in the last couple of years has been the sale of the vineyards and winemaking facility at Appleby Vintners (Te Mania and Richmond Plains). This gave Gary and Valley the opportunity to employ the very talented Steve Gill as their permanent winemaker for the 2022 vintage. I have known Steve for many years, and have always rated his skills highly.
During the 2021 vintage, Gary and Valley managed to make some very good wines using local talent. The vintage was challenging as a result of a number of weather-related issues, primarily frost damage in early spring, followed by rain during flowering, and a number of rain events through the growing season. This resulted in a much lower harvest right across the country, and I think this was the saving grace for many producers.
The fruit that was harvested needed less management in the vineyard and was high-quality, meaning growers could get through harvest and processing under Covid restrictions with fewer staff than usual.
This year was back to normal crop levels, but again of very good quality. Fortunately, wineries managed to source the staff they need to handle this larger harvest.
Because their new viticulturist didn’t start until September, Gary and Valley relied on a team of Tongan vineyard workers to do all the pruning for them.
‘‘These guys were magic – we got through our pruning much faster than usual.’’
2022 Brightwater Vineyards Nelson Pinot Gris (RRP $24)
This is a richly scented and flavoured mouth-filling wine, bursting with flavours of fresh pears and ginger-like spice when you first taste it, but it has a delicious, juicy, yellow peach character in the long finish. The palate richness is balanced beautifully with a hint of ginger and just the right amount of fresh acidity. While it is easy to drink on its own, it deserves to be paired with food. ★★★★★
2022 Brightwater Vineyards Sophie’s Kiss Rose (RPP $24)
Blush salmon pink in colour, with aromas of berries and cream and a touch of river stone minerality, this is another mouth-filling wine bursting with flavour and elegantly balanced with spice and acidity. Delicious by itself, or enjoy it this summer with lunch in the sun or around the BBQ. 1⁄
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