Pinot Gris is enjoying a recent surge in popularity in New Zealand, a rise reflected in the rapid expansion of vine-bearing areas, now the third most planted white after Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. A relatively recent grape to our country, winemakers continue to improve techniques to get the most from regional factors, so don’t let one bad review spoil the pinot gris barrel — a good New Zealand Pinot Gris delivers strong, dense full-bodied stone-fruit flavours, subtly spicy and beguilingly smooth.