Nautilus retain some of the finest Pinot Gris vines in Marlborough. Their award winning team are highly specialized at handling small batches of this esoteric old world varietal and are well versed at crafting a recognizably Marlborough expression of Pinot Gris. Drawing inspiration from the great growths of Alsace, Nautilus take aim at creating a generously complex yet refreshingly dry style, expressing fully the effusive aromaticness of Marlborough, while exhibiting the textural sensuality that's so essential of truly fine Pinot Gris.

Grapes are all hand picked throughout the cool of early morning, off the Nautilus estate River Vineyard in Awatere Valley at the southern end of Marlborough. It's all hands to the pumps and shoulders to the presses as the team work hard to capture the articulate varietal richness of Marlborough Pinot Gris. Whole bunches are gently pressed before being inoculated with aromatic yeasts for a cool vinification, with a view to preserving the viatl characters of fully ripened grapes on the vine. A small portion may be treated to barrel ferments in seasoned oak, the remainder is held on sedimentery yeast lees for three months, infusing the palate with textural creamyness and contributing wonderful complexity.