Devils Staircase Pinot Gris 2026

Devils Staircase Pinot Gris is a lively, generously fruited Central Otago white with Nashi pear, honeydew, ginger and lemon zest at the front of the queue. Cool stainless-steel fermentation keeps the fruit bright, while a touch of residual sweetness rounds the palate before a long, cleansing finish. Made by Rockburn from several Central Otago vineyards, it takes its name from the winding road between Queenstown and Kingston beside Lake Wakatipu. Serve it well chilled with fresh seafood, roast pork or a mildly spiced chicken dish.

What the winery says:

The 2026 wine was harvested on 4 May and bottled on 8 July under winemaker Malcolm Rees-Francis. Fruit came from several Central Otago vineyards and was cool fermented in stainless steel. The bouquet shows Nashi pear, ginger and lemon zest, leading to a lusciously fruity palate with a long, cleansing finish. Technical details list 13.0% alcohol, 7.5 g/L residual sugar, 7.0 g/L titratable acidity and pH 3.50. The winery suggests drinking it now or cellaring for up to four years, with fresh seafood, pork or chicken.