Brancott Estate – pioneers of New Zealand wine

On January 29, Star Wine List celebrated the best wine lists in the UAE and the teams behind them during an event in Dubai. For the celebration, Brancott Estate from Marlborough presented the category Best Medium-sized Wine List. Nobu Dubai won the Gold Star in this category.

(Partner story with Brancott Estate)

On the 24th of August 1973, the Marlborough wine industry was born. That’s when Frank Yukich, the founder of Brancott Estate, planted the first vines in Brancott Valley in Marlborough, New Zealand. Back then the estate was called Montana Wines – it was renamed Brancott in the 1990s – and people shook their heads at the idea. Many thought that the vines would not thrive in Marlborough’s cold climate.

But Yukich had faith. He made the statement that “wines from here will become world-famous.”

And they did. 50 years on, Marlborough has gone from a non-existing wine region to representing some of the world’s most well-known and exquisite Sauvignon Blanc wines. Today, the trademark Marlborough style pioneered by Brancott Estate is praised by wine lovers around the globe for its freshness, poise, and perfect pairing abilities with a wide range of dishes.

Responsible for Brancott Estate’s crisp Sauvignon Blancs and age-worthy Pinot Noirs is winemaker Jamie Marfell, a Marlborough native. As a kid, he used to run around and play in the very fields where Brancott Estate's vineyards are planted today. Today, he is the Group Winemaker for Pernod Ricard New Zealand, managing the signature styles of Brancott Estate and Stoneleigh in Marlborough and Church Road in Hawke’s Bay.

Securing the future for the next generations of people and plantings is a priority for Brancott Estate. Already in 1997, Brancott Estate became a founding member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.

Today, Brancott Estate is continuously implementing new solutions towards more sustainable winegrowing. The efforts include converting to steel vineyard posts, working with suppliers to provide recyclable or reusable packaging, and developing alternative uses for grape marc – paving the way for another 50 years of Marlborough wines.

Read more about Brancott Estate here.