Our Winemaking Philosophy

Our winemaking philosophy is very simple – we think of ourselves as guiding the wines into the bottle, not making the wines. We feel that to make great wines, we need to start with organically grown grapes. Read more

Pinot Noir

Initially we planted Fromm Vineyard with eight different red grape varieties that we suspected would do well in the Marlborough climate (Pinot Noir, Syrah, Malbec, Merlot, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet franc). Over time Pinot Noir has proven to be one of the most exciting, yet elusive grape varieties to grow. Tasting Notes

Syrah

In Marlborough Syrah is right on the edge of its growing limits because of the cool climate, yet it pleasantly surprises us time and time again. Syrah’s flavours are attractive across the spectrum of ripeness. At the lower level it has that classic white pepper character found in many northern Rhône wines. As it gets riper in hotter vintages it becomes richer and bigger, showing more "sweet" fruit. Tasting Notes

Malbec

This Malbec is the oldest single vineyard Malbec in New Zealand and is a variety that we have really come to appreciate, even though it is the most eccentric and misbehaved grape in our Vineyard.  Tasting Notes

Chardonnay

Chardonnay, more than any other variety, shows how appropriate care in the vineyard can result in high quality grapes and wines with structure and pedigree. We look to achieve textural quality with low ripe acidity and low pH and with more emphasis placed on soil-related mineral characters than obvious tropical fruit aspects. Tasting Notes

Riesling

Riesling is the most versatile variety of all and in our climate is capable of producing wines of an exceptional standard.  Tasting Notes

Sauvignon Blanc

We produce a classic style of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Fruit is hand-picked early in the season to retain the fresh crisp acidity that is so much a part of the Marlborough style. We add additional complexity at the Winery by aging a portion of the wine in old French barrels, adding weight and texture to the final wine. Tasting Notes

Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris is an exciting variety to work with. We are still in the early stages of experimenting with this variety, but have found that it grows very well in the Marlborough climate, producing intense ripe pear aromas, perhaps with a hint of flintiness due to barrel aging. 

Tasting Notes

Gewürztraminer

Fruit from the FROMM Winery site is better suited to a late harvest style of Gewürztraminer. By leaving the fruit on the vine until late in the season we achieve an intense flavour ripeness that is so essential for this grape variety and wine style. 

Tasting Notes

Rosé

Rosé has increased in popularity enormously over the last few years as people have gained a better understanding of this vibrant summer wine style. At FROMM we have been making dry Rosé since 2001. 

Tasting Notes