A Whole Bunch Wines Guide to Greywacke
It's the Whole Bunch Wines Guide to Greywacke. They are a true icon of the wine world and their Sauvignon Blanc was our most sold white wine, throughout the whole of 2024.
The History of Greywacke
Greywacke was created in 2009 by Kevin Judd, the person responsible for the ground-breaking early wines produced in Marlborough. Kevin Judd was the founding winemaker behind Cloudy Bay and helped shape these wines through the company's first twenty-five vintages.
Greywacke was the solo affair, which Kevin Judd took after his time at Cloudy Bay. While they export across the world, it remains a small-knit family affair. In the words of Kevin Judd and Greywacke, the ethos is to "keep it simple and hands-on". A small team has a deep understanding of the wines which they are producing. They can produce high-quality crafted wines with an amazing consistency.
The Greywacke Vineyards
- Image Courtesy of @greywackevineyards
The name ‘Greywacke’ was adopted by Kevin for his first Marlborough vineyard, located in Rapaura, in recognition of the prevalence of rounded greywacke river stones in the vineyard’s soils. New Zealand doesn't have a designated 'national rock', by Greywacke could very well be considered the unofficial example. This grey stone appears throughout vineyards, rivers, beaches, mountains and of course - vineyards.
The term Greywacke is perhaps unscientific and has been described as an 'uncouth' catch-all term that isn't specific enough, but culturally it holds relevance and if you talk about Greywacke in New Zealand, many would understand what you mean.
All vineyards are managed sustainably and are being farmed under organic methods with increasing prevalence. Greywacke limit plantings to ensure there is a great deal of flavour concentration in their wines, which is also bolstered by long, sunny growing seasons.
This is very typical of New Zealand wines. Low-disease pressure, cooler summers and long hours of sunshine all contribute to deeply concentrated and flavourful wines which a good deal of acidity and balance.
The Wines of Greywacke
Whole Bunch Wines is proud to stock a few different examples of Greywacke wines. If you love New Zealand wine, then keep reading for some delicious tipples.
Greywacke Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc [£29.50]
- Greywacke Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc displays aromas of cassis and passionfruit are first to emerge, with guava, crisp pear and white peach adding a delicious fruit salad intricacy. On the palate, it’s generous yet refreshing, with ripe pineapple and a lime sherbet zing, layered with elderflower and hints of citrus blossom. Buy Now
Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Blanc [£38]
- Unlike is classical cousin, the Wild Sauvignon has an added layer of complexity thanks to wild yeast fermentation and ageing in old French barriques. It is a mixture of nectarine and quince with hints of almond, orange and ginger, lashings of herbs and Asian spice with a whisper of smokey lap-sang tea. On the palate a flinty dryness and long crisp finish that keeps on giving. Buy Now
Greywacke Chardonnay [£39.50]
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Kevin Judd’s Chardonnay is an alluring combination of peaches and yellow grapefruit, with aromas of nougat, vanilla beans and marzipan. Savoury on the palate with great complexity, texture and concentration. Aged in oak with lees stirring and malolactic fermentation. Buy Now
Don't Miss Out!
Make sure to check out our wine tastings and monthly wine club, if you want to try great wines like the ones mentioned in this blog post. Links below:
- Manchester Wine Tastings & Events
- Sauce Subscription (Monthly Wine Club)