The Marlborough region is New Zealand’s most prolific and famous wine-producing region. A beautiful and sparsely populated area located in the northeast of the glacial South Island, its wines have gained a reputation for being amongst the best in the world as wine-makers exploit the varied terroir and ideal climatic conditions.
The contrast between hot sunny days and cool nights helps vintners extend the ripening period like nowhere else on earth. The result is in an expression of varietals that, when coupled with the natural passion and technical savvy of New Zealand’s vintners, gives wine drinkers of the world an opportunity to explore some exceptional and unique wines.
The majority of Marlborough’s extensive plantings are in the Wairau and Awatere valleys and it is here, betwixt these fabled rivers, where David Clouston, founder and winemaker of Two Rivers, spent his youth and today plies his trade.
The Wairau and Awatere valleys offer an incredible variety of soil, altitude and topography that in turn leads to unique micro-climates, each producing subtle variations of varietal expression.
With five generations of Wairau and Awatere farming behind him, David’s Two Rivers philosophy is that as farmers and vintners they are not separate from the land but in a relationship with it, a relationship that is based on respect and built upon sustainable practices.
David adopts a small-is-beautiful approach, meaning a tendency to use low-yield and high-quality grapes blended to create three wine brands: Two Rivers the most premium; In The House for a range of lighter, easy-to-drink wines targeted at bars, hotels and clubs selling wine by the glass; while in the middle is Black Cottage, a range made to enjoy with good food and fabulous friends.
The naming of the Two Rivers range hints further at the driving philosophy and respect for the land with names such as Convergence Sauvignon Blanc – a convergence of flavours harvested at optimum ripeness, and Tributary Pinot Noir, a delightful unfined and unfiltered wine crafted from hand-harvested and gently de-stemmed grapes that undergo partial wild fermentation and aging in 25% new and 75% seasoned French barrels for 11 months.
For those unfamiliar with Marlborough wines, Two Rivers is an excellent introduction whilst for Marlborough lovers the range offers something for everyone with wines for the casual drinker, as well as those seeking finesse and elegance.
Three not to miss selected by Jason Yank, Two Rivers Commercial Director
Two Rivers: Convergence Sauvignon Blanc
A convergence of flavours from five separate vineyards, the grapes were gently pressed and fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel to maximise fruit purity and character before being aged on fine lees for three months, adding texture, complexity and increased mouth-feel. Bright straw with green hues, an abundance of crushed fresh herbs and tomato leaf aromas that mingle with subtle notes of gooseberry, fennel and nettle. The fleshy yet lively palate has a lovely creamy texture and a bright juicy finish. Pair with Pacific or Asian fare.
Black Cottage: Pinot Noir
A versatile medium purple-red Pinot Noir with strawberry, plum and wild thyme notes. The medium-bodied palate is soft and supple with sweet strawberry, raspberry, cherry and just a hint of dried herbs that add depth and lingers nicely. This easy-to-drink Pinot is approachably soft and subtle in texture and offers a bright fruit-filled finish. Enjoy as a social drink or paired with salmon, grilled meat and roast duck.
In The House Wines: In The Pink
The In The House range is Two Rivers wine by the glass collection; reasonably priced and good quality wines crafted to be just as home by the beach, in a bar or as a light refreshing drink with dinner. In the Pink is the perfect embodiment of that concept and is becoming the house rosé of choice for many of the hippest bars and hotels. Refined and elegant, it’s an easy-to-drink, delicately hued dry wine with juicy watermelon and refreshing lemon sorbet flavours leading to fresh, crunchy acidity; enjoy anytime, anywhere.
