White dry
A New Zealand white wine created by the renowned French Bourgeois winemaking family from the Sancerre region. This wine combines the fruit-forward character typical of Marlborough with French elegance and pronounced minerality.
In the glass, the wine reveals intense aromas of grapefruit, white peach, passion fruit and crushed stone. On the palate, it shows fresh, crisp acidity, firm structure and an exceptionally clean, long mineral finish.
“Otira” means glacial stones in the Māori language. The grapes for this wine are grown in a distinctive vineyard site in the Wairau Valley, where the soil is composed of rounded river stones (Greywacke river stones). This particular terroir absorbs and reflects the sun’s warmth, helping the grapes ripen evenly while giving the wine its distinctive flinty mineral character.
Fermentation takes place at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged on its fine lees (sur lie) to add texture and complexity.
This wine is best served at a temperature of 8–10 °C with fresh seafood, goat cheese, or green salads
Clos Henri is a prestigious wine producer from the Marlborough region in New Zealand, established by the famous French winemaking Bourgeois family from Sancerre. This estate masterfully combines long-standing Old World traditions with the exceptional New World terroir. Whether you are looking for elegant, complex, and age-worthy Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir wines, the Clos Henri range offers impeccable quality for both a celebration and cellaring in a personal collection.
French Traditions on New Zealand Soil
Having accumulated ten generations of experience in the Loire Valley, the Bourgeois family decided to apply their knowledge in the Marlborough region by founding the Clos Henri estate. Their philosophy is based on the principles of sustainable farming and a special focus on the soil. Unlike many other New Zealand producers, Clos Henri crafts wines emphasizing not only fruitiness but also elegance, minerality, and structure, thus bringing them closer to the classic French style.
How to Choose a Clos Henri Wine by Style and Soil?
The producer stands out by separating the grape harvest according to soil type, so when choosing a wine, pay attention to its origin:
What Food Pairs Well with Clos Henri Wines?
Due to their firm structure and subtlety, these wines are highly valued in gastronomy. The Sauvignon Blanc produced by Clos Henri pairs perfectly with goat cheeses, fresh seafood, and green salads. Meanwhile, the elegant Pinot Noir is a classic partner for duck breast, wild mushroom dishes, or baked salmon. To create an ideal tasting experience, browse our selection of snacks to pair with wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Clos Henri "Sauvignon Blanc" differ from other New Zealand wines?
Due to French winemaking techniques, Clos Henri wines are less "tropical" and aggressive. They feature greater elegance, a mineral texture, and linear acidity, reminiscent of classic Sancerre wines.
Do Clos Henri wines have aging potential?
Yes, especially the wines from the main "Estate" line grown in clay soil. Due to their structure and production methods, they age beautifully in the bottle for 5 to 10 years.
Does this estate apply organic winemaking principles?
Yes, Clos Henri is a certified organic estate. Their vineyards are managed according to eco-friendly biodynamic and organic farming standards to maximally preserve the natural Marlborough terroir.