Craven Pinot Gris 2023

Craven's Pinot Gris is a textured white from Stellenbosch, South Africa, showing what this variety can do when it's grown in the right place and handled with care. This is Pinot Gris with real character – weight, texture, and complexity that goes beyond typical examples of the variety.

Craven Wines was founded in 2014 by Mick and Janine. Originally from Australia, Mick met Jeanine whilst working in Sonoma, California, before both moving to South Africa in 2011. They source fruit from single vineyard sites in and around Stellenbosch, working only with farmers who are dedicated to working their land organically.

Stellenbosch has diversity of sites and terroirs which means when farming well, there is a lot of site expression in the grapes and final wine. They work with farmers who understand the importance of cover crops and removing chemical treatments. The winemaking approach keeps things relatively simple – no cultured yeasts, enzymes or fining agents are added, and bottling is with minimal sulphur additions.

What you get is textured Pinot Gris – stone fruit, citrus, a touch of spice, and that characteristic weight and grip that makes it so food-friendly. There's depth and complexity here, but nothing feels heavy or overdone. The wine has enough structure to age gracefully but is also delicious now.

Serve it cool (not cold) with rich fish dishes, poultry, creamy dishes, Asian cuisine, or aged cheeses. This is honest, energetic South African white at a great price, perfect for those who want something with real character and texture.