Seresin Chiaroscuro 2023

Region and Vineyards

Marlborough, on New Zealand's South Island, has become globally synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc, yet the region also excels with aromatic white varieties. The Omaka Valley, part of the Southern Valleys subregion, is particularly suited to these grapes thanks to its clay-rich soils and slightly warmer, drier conditions compared with the Wairau Plain. These soils contribute structure and texture, producing wines with more savoury and concentrated expressions.

The Raupo Creek vineyard, Seresin's estate in Omaka, is cultivated using organic and biodynamic principles. This holistic approach enhances soil vitality and biodiversity, creating balance in the vineyard ecosystem. Its northwest-facing slopes benefit from high sunshine hours and minimal rainfall, ensuring steady ripening. Yields are deliberately low—around 6 tonnes per hectare—leading to small, concentrated berries that form the basis of a wine both expressive and elegant.

Winemaking

The blend combines 48% Riesling, 43% Pinot Gris, 6% Viognier, and 3% Gewürztraminer. Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer were harvested together, followed five days later by Riesling and Viognier. After pressing and settling, the juices were blended and co-fermented in neutral oak barrels.

The wine rested for eight months in barrel, undergoing full malolactic fermentation. No residual sugar remains, making this a completely dry style. With no new oak used, the emphasis is on purity, texture, and varietal interplay rather than overt oak character. The finished wine achieves 13% alcohol, with bright acidity (TA 6.4 g/L) and a pH of 3.22, resulting in freshness and balance.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with silvery reflections, luminous and youthful.
• Aroma: Complex bouquet of ripe autumnal fruits, citrus blossom, exotic tropical hints, and delicate floral spice. Subtle notes of orchard fruit and lifted aromatics reveal the influence of Gewürztraminer and Viognier.
• Palate: Concentrated yet elegant, with layers of stone fruit, citrus, and exotic spice. Textural richness from Pinot Gris and Viognier is balanced by Riesling's precision and acidity, while Gewürztraminer contributes aromatic lift. The finish is long, focused, and delicately mineral.

Did you know?

The name Chiaroscuro, meaning "light and shadow" in Italian, is a tribute to founder Michael Seresin's background as a cinematographer. Just as light and shadow create depth in film, the interplay of different grape varieties creates layers of contrast and harmony in this wine.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Thai green curry with prawns - the exotic aromatics and acidity cut through spice and coconut richness.
• Duck breast with plum sauce - the wine's fruit concentration and textural depth complement gamey richness and sweet-sour accents.
• Roast pork with apple and fennel - Riesling's freshness balances pork fat, while spice notes echo fennel.
• Aged Comté cheese - the wine's layered texture and subtle nuttiness make a superb match for complex alpine cheeses.

History of Seresin Estate

Seresin Estate was founded in 1992 by Michael Seresin, a New Zealand-born cinematographer known for his work in films like Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. His vision for Seresin Estate was inspired by his deep connection to nature and a desire to create wines that were in harmony with the environment. From the outset, the estate embraced biodynamic and organic viticulture, pioneering these practices in the Marlborough region.

Seresin’s first vintage was released in 1996, and the estate quickly gained recognition for its elegant, expressive wines. Michael Seresin’s philosophy has always been to work with nature, not against it. The estate is now fully certified organic and follows biodynamic principles, farming without the use of synthetic chemicals and aligning vineyard work with lunar and natural cycles.

Michael Seresin’s passion for sustainability and craftsmanship is evident not only in the vineyards but also in the winemaking process, where minimal intervention allows the natural character of the grapes and terroir to shine through.

Region and Vineyards

Seresin Estate is located in Marlborough, the most famous wine region in New Zealand, known for producing world-class Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The estate’s vineyards are situated in the Wairau Valley and the Omaka Valley, where a combination of clay and gravel soils provides an ideal environment for grape growing.

Raupo Creek Vineyard in the Omaka Valley is the heart of Seresin Estate. This vineyard is farmed biodynamically and is certified organic. The clay-rich soils here contribute to the texture and depth of Seresin’s wines. The north-west facing slopes of the vineyard ensure high levels of sunshine, allowing the grapes to ripen fully while maintaining natural acidity.

Seresin also sources fruit from selected organic vineyards in the Wairau Valley, which add brightness and finesse to the wines. The region’s cool-climate conditions and varied terroir allow Seresin to produce wines that are balanced, complex, and reflective of their place of origin.

Wine Range

Seresin Estate is best known for its Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, but the estate also produces other varietals, each crafted with the same attention to detail and commitment to natural winemaking.

• Sauvignon Blanc: Seresin’s Sauvignon Blancs are known for their richness, texture, and complexity, often blended with small amounts of Sémillon to add depth and aging potential. Wines like the Marama Sauvignon Blanc showcase a more nuanced, oak-aged style, while the estate’s classic Sauvignon Blanc offers vibrant acidity and tropical fruit.

• Pinot Noir: Seresin produces a range of Pinot Noirs, from the fresh and approachable Leah Pinot Noir to the more structured and complex Sun & Moon Pinot Noir. The estate’s Pinot Noirs are celebrated for their balance of red and dark fruit flavors, fine tannins, and earthy undertones.

• Chardonnay: Seresin’s Chardonnay is an elegant expression of the varietal, with a balance of ripe fruit, minerality, and subtle oak influence. The wine undergoes natural fermentation and extended lees aging for added complexity.

• Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and other varietals: Seresin also produces small quantities of aromatic whites, focusing on the purity of fruit and expression of Marlborough’s cool-climate terroir.

Did You Know?

Michael Seresin, in addition to being a successful filmmaker, is a passionate advocate for organic and biodynamic farming. His belief in working harmoniously with nature extends beyond winemaking, as the estate also grows olive oil and vegetables, further reinforcing the estate’s commitment to sustainability and holistic farming.