Ravensworth Orange Pinot Gris 2022 75cl

Ravensworth Orange Pinot Gris 2022

Ravensworth is an exciting project run by ex Clonakilla winemker Bryan Martin with his partner Jocelyn and brother David. Based in Murumbateman, just north of Canberra. Ravensworth are one of a growing number of Australian producers passionate about working in tandem with nature and allowing their wines to almost make themselves. Their philosophy is simple, best expressed by Bryan himself

While we have not set up a tent in the natural wines campsite, we are very interested in using no chemicals or additives in the process, a gentle touch, just letting our fruit, along with microflora, do their job as they have been for a millennia

This became a firm favourite of the team off the back of an Australia and New Zealand tasting in May 2023. Especially our Shop Manager, Carl, who could not resist taking a bottle home:

While pouring a modestly chilled glass, my immediate thought was Is it a white? Is it a rose? Is it a crazy hipster co-ferment field blend of red and white varietals? Technically, being 100% Pinot Gris, it IS a white, but made in a very hands-off manner and with 3-4 weeks skin contact. The wine spends time in oak, concrete and ceramic egg which might account for the wonderfully complex texture and mouthfeel.

The vibrant dark pink colour comes from the skins, along with a welcome bit of tannin adding another dimension to the wine. Tinned strawberries leap from the glass, along with some subtle five-spice, honey, and a touch of grapefruit zing from the skins. This is a wine that feels so alive and dares you to take another glug, just to check if it really is that good! I guarantee this will be the most interesting Pinot Gris you try this year.