CHAMPION PINOT GRIS

RUSSIAN JACK PINOT GRIS, MARLBOROUGH 2019

How did the Russian Jack name come about?

Russian Jack (1878-1968) was a mysterious and much loved ‘gentleman of the road’ who was welcomed onto farms around New Zealand and picked fruit into his old age. He and others like him worked tirelessly to clear land and prepare it for use. Some of this land, now covered in picturesque vineyards, produce world-class wines thanks in part to the hard work of these pioneering heroes. Russian Jack is honoured in Masterton by a bronze statue in his memory. In the spirit of Russian Jack, we’re forging our own path in search of New Zealand’s best expressions of people and place.

Are you able to tell us about the characteristics of your trophy-winning pinot gris and your ideal food pairing for it?

Russian Jack Pinot Gris is luscious and succulent with flavours of nashi pear, floral jasmine, lychee and quince – a perfect match for a summer barbecue of seafood with a crispy vegetable salad.