2025 Billy Button ‘The Chameleon’ Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris (Grigio) grapes are actually pinkish grey in colour, from which they derive their name.  Gris means grey in French and Grigio grey in Italian.  Wines made from this variety can range in style from light and zesty to rich and full bodied.  The Billy Button Pinot Gris positions itself somewhere in the middle of these styles and is a culmination of the two, offering fetching aromatics and crisp acid, paired with an intense textured palate.  The coolness of the Alpine Valleys lends itself to good acid retention and you could say this wine has the aromatic style of a Grigio and the textural qualities of a Gris on the palate.

Say 'pee-no gree'

Vintage Snapshot

Harvested in February, this fruit was picked ahead of the intense heat the region experienced later in the season. The fruit benefited from an ideal ripening window marked by clear days and cool nights. The result is a wine that showcases lovely aromatics reminiscent of chopped kitchen herbs, beautifully developed flavours and a lively, refreshing palate.

Production Notes

Machine harvested the third week of February, the fruit was gently pressed to stainless steel, then racked maintaining light solids. Fermented with selected yeast strains to capture varietal character and enhance mouthfeel, the wine was matured on yeast lees post fermentation until clarification just before bottling in January 2025.

Tasting Notes

Lifted and bright with springtime vibes.  Very aromatic with fresh chopped herbs, oyster shell and high notes of thyme. “Italian” in style – the palate is lightly textured, packed with pears and offers lemon and thyme nuances. Lingering and savory on the finish.

Optimal Drinking Window – now until 2030

Technical details

Vineyard:             Michelini, Buckland Valley.

Region:                Alpine Valleys

Alcohol:               13.0%

Winemakers:       Glenn James & Jo Marsh

Reviews

"This falls into the way-too-easy-to-enjoy drinking category, such is the approachable nature of the wine. Melon, pear, honeysuckle and spring flower aromas mix with apple and a light dusting of spice on the bouquet. The fineness of detail is maintained on the palate, which brings a good depth of flavour enhanced by a chalky texture and a lively spiciness, with pears and almonds coming into their own on the finish." Awarded 89 points, Halliday Wine Companion, Jeni Port - Published 06 July 2026