Brave Roots Viognier 2024

From Marlboroughs' Ukrainian wine making duo Alina Tenetka & Masha, bringing their experience from Europe to make really elegant wines out of different sites in Marlborough, teasing the potential out of grapes in ways we don't often see in New Zealand wines. These wines are full of poise, elegance & are hot off the lips of many a wine critic.

When Alina turned up with her wines at Regional's we were taken aback, why hadn't we heard of this any sooner? The wines all were a departure from the styles New Zealand had previously offered & placed themselves in some of the best examples of each variety they make that has to offer!

Region: Lower Wairau Valley, Marlborough

The Story
Viognier is a winemaker’s gamble, a fussy grape that rewards patience with aromatic opulence. We aimed to capture its rich, silken texture, a contrast to the sharp-edged Marlborough whites. Our goal was to coax out its exotic perfume, creating a wine of texture and grace—like sunshine woven into a golden thread.

Tastes Like
Lush Apricot, ripe Peach skin, and fragrant Honeysuckle, with a rich, textural palate that finishes with a hint of toasty oak.

Pair With
Sublime with Moroccan chicken tagine, creamy lobster risotto, or a cheese board featuring soft, pungent cheeses like Epoisses or Taleggio.

For the Geeks

Bathed in sunlight, this ideal site allows our Viognier to ripen perfectly. We harvest in two distinct stages: an initial pick for crisp, natural acidity, followed by a later pass for the grape's full, aromatic bloom. Fermented and aged on fine lees in seasoned French barrels for 10 months. Complex, powerful, and elegantly refined.

Residual Sugar: 3.2 g/L (Dry)
Acidity (TA): 7.1 g/L
pH: 3.37
Alcohol: 14.2%

Accolades: Cam Douglas MS - 95 points Outstanding