Christmas countdown and giveaway: Q Wine 2012 Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir

One of my favourite discoveries of the wine variety over the past year has been Q Wine, which is definitely the tipple of choice for those that go for the artisan and boutique.

Grown and crafted in the Waitaki Valley in North Otago, they are been garnering rave reviews both locally and internationally for their quality and individuality, part of this being due to this particular - and particularly beautiful - region. Still quite remote, the Waitaki Valley has been described as having one of the most viticulturally significant soils in New Zealand, as well as one of the most extreme climates. The home of many artisanal growers, the location produces wines that elegantly express its terroir, and Q Wines continues this boutique, individual approach by hand harvesting all of its grapes and crafting each vintage with the utmost attention to detail.

The vineyard’s first grapes were planted in 2005 with a first vintage released in 2010. The vines are densely planted with low yields to produce exceptional wines with a truly distinct flavour profile, and the 2010 Pinot Gris was immediately hailed by those within the industry for its dryness, texture and body. The 2011 Pinot Noir went out and did the same - already gaining recognition beyond the band of the deep blue Waitaki River – and a small release of the 2012 Rose was equally praised.

Every drop of Q that I have been lucky enough to taste - at everywhere from SPQR and Andiamo to the comfort of my own couch - has been a total pleasure, so in a particularly festive mood I’ve decided to give a twin pack containing Q Wine 2012 Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir away! Email me at helene@mshelene.com with your name and courier address, as well as your date of birth. You must be over eighteen to enter so if you, get to it! Entries close Thursday, December 12 at 5pm.

For more about Q head to their website, here.