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Wine columnist and connoisseur DENNIS KNILL gives his views on Balvonie prosecco and pinot noir.
In the short space of 10 years after planting their first grapes, Ben and Helen McLauchlan have transformed their bouquet winery into one of New Zealand’s success stories.
After graduating with a management and science degree and a post-graduate diploma in viticulture and oenology, Ben headed off to the United Kingdom to further his career.
On returning to Blenheim, Ben and Helen purchased a vineyard in Raupara adjacent to Balvonie Farms.
In 2017, Ben and Helen acquired Balvonie Farms and continue to produce beef and wine, which are sold locally and exported around the globe.
In 2021, Ben made a bold decision to plant Glera grapes and focus solely on producing prosecco and pinot noir.
Balvonie is the only home-grown winery producing prosecco. The others are imported, some with New Zealand labels. Available online www.balvonie.nz.
’23 Balvonie Marlborough Prosecco, RRP $35. A fabulously stylish and refreshing easy drinking wine that’s finely balanced with fresh fruity aromas and a sense of lightness and elegance giving a soft-mouth filling feel on the palate. Pair with seafood, risotto, pork and veal.
’24 Balvonie pinot noir, RRP $35. Harvested by hand, this light ruby wine is nicely balanced with a mouth-filling bouquet and layered with soft gentle tannins. An excellent example from Marlborough. Serve with roast chicken, turkey, duck or a charcuterie board.
