Méthode Marlborough is delighted to welcome Esses Wines as their newest member. 110% committed to producing world class sparkling wine, Esses specialises in late disgorgement vintage méthode traditionnelle from the southern tip of the Marlborough grape growing region.
Esses is a boutique grower/producer crafting méthode from 20-year-old vines on their 1.5 hectare estate at the base of Kaikoura's Mount Fyffe. This vineyard has an exciting microclimate for growing méthode traditionnelle destined fruit: its free draining stony ground, sea breezes, and extended ripening season provides an ideal growing environment for achieving full flavoured and vibrant fruit.
Esses is owned and operated by Aaron and Mel Skinner with the help of their gorgeous 2-year-old boy Parker. Their vineyard is not only their business, but also their backyard, so the Skinner's are passionate about doing things as naturally as possible. In tune with their environment, Esses vineyard was established to produce high quality, low yielding fruit. The resulting range of wines showcase each season effortlessly.
"We are passionate about crafting incredible sparkling wine," says Melinda Skinner. "We believe Marlborough is a world leading region for méthode traditionnelle production and we committed whole heartedly when we began this journey 10 years ago."
"We named Esses after the multitude of s's that comprised our wines very existence," says Mel. "Stony soils, spectacular skies, snow-capped mountains, sea breezes, along with our name being Skinner of course."
"It is exciting to welcome Esses Wines to Méthode Marlborough," says Dan Taylor, Méthode Marlborough's Chair. "We represent an amazing collection of méthode traditionnelle producers and now our portfolio of member wines extends to the four corners of our region. The breadth and calibre of sparkling wine our region is capable of producing continues to impress."
"Méthode traditionnelle is more that just a celebratory drink," says Mel. "And we look forward to working with Méthode Marlborough to raise awareness for the fact that quality sparkling wine is the perfect choice all year around."
To learn more about Esses Wines or to taste their current releases of Méthode Marlborough (Lady Syme Brut Cuvee 2014 & Couer de Cuvee Blanc de Blanc 2015), visit their website.
