Adding sparkle in Kaikōura: Esses Wine
Champagne is arguably the most prestigious sparkling wine in the world, made only in the French region after which it is named.
In Kaikōura, vigneron Esses Estate produces sparkling wines, using the same traditional methods and grape varieties, chardonnay and pinot noir, as their French counterparts.
Owners Mel and Aaron Skinner are grower/producers, hands-on at their 1.5 hectare vineyard and small winery located in the foothills of Kaikōura, with stunning views across the peninsula and along the coastline.
“Our love for sparkling drew us to New Zealand with the passion to grow world-leading Méthode Traditionnelle,” says Mel. “We are passionate about a ‘living soil’ approach to viticulture and focus on low yield and high quality, to ensure balance and terroir authenticity in our wines.”
New Zealand Winegrowers Sustainable Certified and a Member of Organic Winegrowers NZ, the company specialises solely in late-disgorged bubblies, taking five years to create each sparkling brew. Current wines include vintages 2012 to 2016, along with non-vintages, and extra brut, brut, sec, and blanc de blancs wines.
Visit the tasting room if you’re in Kaikōura, email info@esseswine.com or call
021 256 4383
