Usana The Runaway Pinot Gris 2020

The Usana “The Runaway” Pinot Gris 2020 is a thoughtfully crafted wine from the renowned Stellenbosch region, highlighting the versatility and distinct characteristics of the Pinot Gris grape. This wine elegantly combines freshness, structure, and body, thanks to a unique harvesting strategy, and is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail both in the vineyard and the cellar.

Technical Analysis:

Alcohol Volume: 13%
Sugar G/L: 2.4
Cultivar: Pinot Gris
Cellaring Potential: Up to 5 years, indicating that while this wine is vibrant and fresh now, it will continue to develop complexity and depth over the next few years.
Origin and Appellation:

Origin/Appellation: Stellenbosch, a region known for producing premium wines with distinctive character due to its ideal climatic and soil conditions.
Tasting Notes:

Aroma: The nose is vibrant with fresh hints of Granny Smith apple, pear, and white peach, which bring a lively and refreshing aromatic profile to the wine.
Palate: On the palate, the Usana Pinot Gris shows a lovely texture and weight, a direct result of the lees contact during winemaking. This technique adds creaminess and complexity, balancing the crisp acidity and fresh fruit flavors perfectly.
Finish: The wine finishes clean and refreshing, with the fruit and textural components lingering pleasantly, inviting another sip.
Vinification:

In the Cellar: The Pinot Gris grapes were whole bunch pressed, which helps to preserve the delicate fruit flavors and aromatics. Natural fermentation occurred primarily in stainless steel to maintain the fresh and crisp character of the wine, with a small portion in old oak to introduce subtle complexity and texture without overpowering the fruit essence.
Lees Contact: Extended lees contact was utilized to enhance the mouthfeel and provide additional layers of complexity.
Viticulture:

In the Vineyard: The grapes were sourced exclusively from a specific block at Winshaw Vineyards, ensuring a consistent flavor profile and quality. The vineyards are trellised, and grapes are hand-harvested in individual bins to maintain quality. The innovative approach of picking in three batches—early for freshness, middle for structure, and late for body—ensures that the wine has a balanced and dynamic profile. This wine primarily consists of the early and middle picks, focusing on freshness and structure.
Food Pairing:
The Usana “The Runaway” Pinot Gris 2020 pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Its freshness and crisp texture make it an excellent match for light salads, seafood dishes such as grilled fish or sushi, and it can also complement white meats like chicken or pork. Its versatility makes it suitable for spicy Asian cuisine, where its fruity freshness balances the heat.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Pinot Gris chilled, around 8-10°C (46-50°F), to best appreciate its fresh and crisp attributes.

Overall Impression:
The Usana “The Runaway” Pinot Gris 2020 is a delightful representation of Stellenbosch Pinot Gris, offering a fresh, structured, and well-textured wine experience. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the nuanced yet approachable white wines that reflect their terroir with clarity and elegance.