Lismore | Ata Rangi | Pinot Gris | Martinborough | New Zealand

Ata Rangi, meaning ‘dawn sky, new beginning’ is owned and managed by a family trio – Clive Paton, his wife Phyll and his sister Alison. In 1980 Clive planted the bare, stony, home paddock at the edge of Martinborough, becoming one of a handful of people who pioneered grape growing in the area. Ata Rangi’s first vineyard covered less than five hectares on deep, free-draining alluvial gravels – the original course of a local river which flows from the hills that flank the eastern side of the valley. Today they are joined by a strong team including winemaker Helen Masters, who in 2019 was awarded New Zealand Winemaker of the Year by Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine, as recognition of her 16 years’ work at Ata Rangi.

A fuller style of Pinot Gris, originally influenced by the style of wines from Alsace and developed over the years into Ata Rangi’s own, uniquely Martinborough style. Fruits and baking spices are the focus of this very aromatic wine, with notes of apple strudel with flaky pastry, poached pear and Parmesan. Succulent fresh acidity maintains the wine’s generosity and complexity on the long finish.