BAND OF BROTHERS

Giesen brothers Theo and Alex established their family wine business in New Zealand in 1981, planting their first vines in south Canterbury. Brother Marcel joined the team in 1983 as winemaker, crafting their first vintage release in 1984. As a team they did everything from planting grape vines to winemaking, bottling and marketing. From those very early days, too, sauvignon blanc has been a key variety under the Giesen brand. In 2022, there are no less than 10 expressions of sauvignon in the portfolio from their zero-alcohol range to organic, the Fuder series and MiNDFOOD Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas’ favourite, the August (Aw-goost). Through the last 30-plus years Giesen have developed vineyards across key sub-regions in Marlborough along with their winemaking HQ. Pinot noir, merlot, chardonnay, riesling, pinot gris and sauvignon blanc are the backbone varieties for the business. Giesen recently released their Uncharted range of wine, which includes a very stylish and food-friendly sauvignon blanc along with a chardonnay and pinot noir. Each wine has a pure varietal palette of flavours, textures, freshness and are great food wines. The brothers also own a vineyard in the settlement of Reil on the banks of the Moselle River, in Germany making a fantastic riesling which you can discover here in New Zealand.