Seresin Estate

Seresin is, perhaps, Marlborough as it should be. Its principled, finely-crafted and – crucially – interesting wines are the perfect antidote to the tsunami of fruit-forward New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs of the last 30 years.

The winery was established by cinematographer Michael Seresin. The winery’s slogan – Life is light, Light is life – is a reference to his desire to make wine as naturally as possible as much as it is to his profession. Certified organic in 2003, the estate is now fully biodynamic. It’s a demanding ethos that requires balance among all living elements on the estate – trees, animals and micro-organisms as well as vines. Activities such as viticultural work, harvesting and bottling are carried out according to the lunar cycle. Quirky it may be, but there’s a timelessness to biodynamism that is reflected in the way Seresin’s wines are made. Fermentations (with natural yeasts) are slow, and every bottle is aged to some extent – whether in amphora, old oak or newer barriques.

Pinot Noir is Seresin’s benchmark variety, but there are great wines across the range – Syrah, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and unusual blends, while the Sauvignon Blancs are given breadth and texture with lees work and time in oak. It’s a portfolio with vibrancy, precision and heart – full of light and, yes, life.