THE father of modern viticulture Bill Irwin and his visionary son Denis Irwin have been honoured by Matawhero Wines this month with the release of a flagship Chardonnay that bears the family name.
The limited edition Irwin is a barrel fermented Chardonnay from Gisborne. The wine is produced from Mendoza chardonnay vines and immortalizes the late Bill Irwin who imported Mendoza clones to New Zealand in the late 1960s and planted them at Riverpoint Road, Gisborne.
The 2016 Irwin Chardonnay (Strike Photography)
“He would be immensely proud,” says Bill’s son Denis Irwin, who became emotional when he learned the new label would carry the family name.
“It’s the ultimate accolade and my father would be excessively proud. In my time I got a huge amount of airplay, but it was Bill’s quiet determined drive that radically kick-started the New Zealand wine industry.”
The late Bill Irwin and son Denis – circa 1975 (Matawhero file image)
“Sometimes I reflect on what Dad did for New Zealand grape growers and I am incredulous. He was ordering cuttings from overseas when no one else was, and generously distributing them throughout the country. It was the ultimate gift to the industry.”
“He was also corresponding with viticultural leaders in Europe, Australia and the United States and was responsible for the importation of virus-free root stock.” Denis says it gave vineyards of the 1970s, and as a result the country’s wine industry, a strong base from which to flourish.
View over the glorious Golden Slopes vineyard. A vineyard with a rich history in producing premium award winning wines for over 20 years (Strike Photography)
Later, with equal measures of hard work and audacity, Denis continued to display Irwin innovation when he created Matawhero Wines in 1975.
Seventy-year-old Denis recalls “when we opened Matawhero Wines there were probably 20 wineries around the country. Now there’s around 700.”
During the 70s and 80s Denis scooped numerous New Zealand wine awards with his Gewürztraminer and Chardonnay, and had the nerve and enterprise to enter international wine competitions. That audaciousness helped introduce New Zealand wine to the United Kingdom and Australia at a time when no one else was.
“We were really radical for back then. There was almost a superstar element to it as we were entertaining prime ministers and international wine critics. But behind-the-scenes the life we were living was actually a continuation of my father’s hard working days”.
Denis sold Matawhero Wines to Richard and Kirsten Searle in 2008 and says he’s been delighted with what has happened since the baton was passed on.
Kirsten Searle, Denis Irwin and Richard Searle enjoying the new flagship Irwin Chardonnay – August 2017 (Runa Photography).
“There’s this lovely harmony about this new wine, its name, the heritage, and the future,” Denis says.
Since taking over the Searles have faithfully restored and re-opened the stunning historic Matawhero Cellar Door and as always, maintained a focus on premium single vineyard wines. Last year the Matawhero 2015 Chenin Blanc was awarded 5 stars and the top wine accolade in Cuisine Magazine.
Kirsten Searle and Denis Irwin – August 2017 (Runa Photography)
Kirsten Searle says maintaining the quality and individuality of their product was the legacy left by Bill and Denis. There was never any doubt this Chardonnay would be called Irwin, she says.
“People don’t always have the history and the story like we do, and right from the outset I knew that Irwin would be the only name befitting this flagship Chardonnay.”
Kirsten says the big and complex barrel fermented Chardonnay is handcrafted from exceptional vintages where superior ripeness has been achieved.
“We’ve targeted low yielding Mendoza fruit from the Tietjen vineyard – a site that has a rich history of producing award-winning Chardonnays for the past 20 years.” But the inspiration is all Irwin.
Handpicking our Irwin Mendoza Chardonnay at Tietjen vineyard, March 2017 (Strike Photography)
“We take a great deal of pride in maintaining the pioneering spirit that Bill and Denis so clearly had. We’ve always been inspired by Denis, followed his lead to thrive in different areas of entrepreneurship, and that’s why we have dedicated this wine to Denis and his father.”
“It’s a privilege to be able to honour them in this way”.
Irwin will be released on 1st September 2017 – for more information visit – www.matawhero.co.nz/
JB’s Tasting notes – Stunning Sunday Sip – Matawhero Wines Irwin Chardonnay Gisborne 2016 Bright pale lemon – gold in colour. Juicy stonefruit, toasty oak, & a little butterscotch in the nose. Complex palate of huge ripe stonefruit flavours with fine spiced oak, nice creamy mouth feel from 100% B/F balanced with a tart citrus / grapefruity acidity – long finish – wonderful elegant wine – a fabulous tribute to Bill & Dennis Irwin! 13.4% RRP $60.00 #nzwine Bottle No. 2478
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