Respect for the brand’s creators and a celebration of its heritage are at the heart of the re-launch this month of a limited release range of Selaks Founders wines.
Re-introduced to commemorate the celebrated brand’s 80th anniversary, Selaks Founders Wines are a rare treat only previously produced in recognition of Mate Selak’s passing in 1991.
Mate was the nephew of the brand’s founder Marino and took the reins from him in 1947 going on to forge a great New Zealand wine business. Sadly, this year Mate’s wife Matija – affectionately known as May and one of the last true pioneers of the New Zealand wine industry – passed away aged 90.
Now Selaks head winemaker Brett Fullerton and his team have honoured the brand’s traditions creating a range of outstanding wines in honour of its remarkable anniversary.
The Selaks Founders range comprises five varietals that focus on regional strengths – Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, a Gimblett Gravels Merlot, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Central Otago Pinot Noir.
Fullerton says the wines represent the pinnacle of Selaks’ winemaking expertise. “The Founders range is our ‘halo tier’ and it builds on our winemaking credentials that stretch back more than three generations. Marino Selak – our founder – always saved his most treasured grapes to produce special wines for friends and family.
“We wanted to honour this tradition and the Selaks Founders is the result.”
With three 2013 vintages and two from 2014, the range comprises 500-odd cases of the white varietals, 450 of the Gimblett Gravels Merlot and only 250 cases of the Central Otago Pinot Noir.
The range is about selecting and showcasing only the finest wine available. Each bottle is individually numbered and those lucky enough to get a bottle can register its number on line and receive exclusive information from Brett on the wines and access to future vintage releases ahead of time.
“Quality is always at the heart of every Selaks wine but the Founders Range represents the true pinnacle of the winemaking process and is a fitting tribute to those pioneers who set us on the path we have so successfully followed.”
