New Zealand
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Marlborough
Our Story
In the 1990’s Waihopai Valley, Marlborough, Bryan and Jan Johnson established 180 hectares their estate vineyards on land considered too hard, too dry and too infertile for vines. This pioneering spirit has led to New Zealand’s most successful and respected wineries, and one of the few 100% Kiwi family-owned and operated. Managing Director, Amanda Johnson cites a passionate family culture, terroir driven winemaking as key reasons for that recognition.
Spy Valley’s vineyards are situated primarily on young alluvial river terraces with veins of stone and shingle overlaid with a thin veneer of topsoil. Older terraces have a higher clay content and deeper topsoil, underlaying free draining river gravel and stone.
Located up the road from a “Five Eyes” government listening post (spy base), 2-time ISWC NZ Wine Producer of the Year, Spy Valley shares the secrets of their land in every bottle, while embracing a sustainable philosophy for their legacy. The Broadbent and Spy Valley Wines relationship goes back to 2001 and prides itself as being part of the family.
Wines
Chardonnay
Spy Valley
Waihopai Valley, Marlborough
A blend of two estate single vineyards: Waihopai and Omaka Valleys. Stony free draining soils and clay/loess over gravel, respectively. Mostly naturally fermented and then aged in neutral barrels on the lees. Ripe lemon, cashew, cream.
E Block Sauvignon Blanc
Spy Valley
Waihopai Valley, Marlborough
Not just a single vineyard, but a single block. Johnson Vineyard E Block in Waihopai Valley. Planted in 1995. Fermented and aged in both stainless steel and neutral barrels. Citrus flower, green melon, elegance.
Easy Tiger Sauvignon Blanc
Spy Valley
Waihopai and Lower Wairau Valleys
Low Brix and low alcohol. 9.5%. Grapes are grown in Waihopai and Lower Wairau Valleys on alluvial soils. Partially undergoes malolactic fermentation for texture. All stainless steel. Green apple, ginger, crisp.
Pinot Noir
Spy Valley
Waihopai Valley - Omaka Valley, Marlborough
Planted adjacent to the Chardonnay and also a blend of two single vineyards. Naturally fermented and aged in neutral French oak. Maraschino cherry, earth, clove.
Riesling
Spy Valley
Waihopai Valley, Marlborough
A single vineyard wine. Grapes are hand harvested in 8 different passings and then naturally fermented in older oak and stainless steel. Dry. Nectarine, lemon pith, white pepper.
Satellite Sauvignon Blanc
Spy Valley
Wairau Valley, Marlborough
We are all Satellites drifting around a beautiful planet. A blend of three valleys with alluvial soils rich in silt loams and gravel. All stainless steel. Pear, stone fruit, layered.
Sauvignon Blanc
Spy Valley
Wairau Valley, Marlborough
Recent Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines awardee. The tried and true of the range. Partially naturally fermented in older oak and the rest in stainless steel. We should all be buying this wine to drink now and buying more to witness it gracefully age. Passionfruit, sweet lime, pea shoots.
Featured Stories
Exploring the Journey of Spy Valley’s Winemaker: Emily Gaspard-Clark
Named New Zealand’s Young Winemaker of the Year in 2019, Emily combines global experience with a passion for crafting exceptional wines at Spy Valley.
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A Conversation with Amanda Johnson of Spy Valley Winery
Explore the history of the family-run winery, the unique characteristics of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and the challenges and triumphs of winemaking in one of the most remote and beautiful regions of the world.
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