A noble tipple: Clark Estate Winery

Clark Estate Winery’s new wild-fermented range Clericus offers a broader, more sophisticated taste. A derivative of Clark, Clericus is a word associated with the most noble scholars in Roman society – and the exquisite selection is certainly worthy of its namesake.

Slowly ageing since 2016, the Clericus range includes a Wild Sauvignon Blanc – described as classic barrel wild-fermented style, stacked with smoked passionfruit, bruised basil, toasty marzipan notes, soft pepper and lemongrass layers – as well as a beautiful Pinot Gris and a Pinot Noir (complete with a Gold medal for its stunning label at the Print Awards). “It’s for the New Zealander who wants something different.”

Clark Estate is a small Kiwi-owned winery, run by co-founder Peter Clark, his winemaker son Simon, and daughter Sarah, who describes the company as authentic, powerful and vibrant. “We are a true family business and it really is just the three of us. We do everything ourselves, from viticulture to sales, and being locally owned is one of our unique points of difference – many Kiwis don’t realise a lot of New Zealand vineyards are owned by international companies. We are passionate about everything we do.”

Based in Blenheim, the award-winning vineyard has a large following of national and international customers. The range is available to order online. Visit www.clarkestate.com or call Sarah on 021 386 831.