Greywacke
Summary
Greywacke is a boutique Marlborough producer founded in 2009 by Kevin Judd, former Cloudy Bay winemaker, focusing on Sauvignon Blanc and other varietals grown in the region's distinctive alluvial soils with rounded river stones. Judd maintains a hands-on approach throughout the entire winemaking process, offering both classic expressions and the Wild Sauvignon that undergoes spontaneous fermentation in old French oak barrels, while sourcing fruit exclusively from select growers including the organic-certified Sutherland family vineyard.
Heritage & Leadership
Greywacke was established in 2009 by Kevin Judd, one of Marlborough's pioneering winemakers. The name Greywacke, pronounced "grey-wacky," refers to the rounded river stones found throughout New Zealand's vineyards, a type of bedrock that is prevalent in the region. Prior to founding Greywacke, Judd served as the chief winemaker at Cloudy Bay for 25 years, from its inception in 1985 until 2009, playing a significant role in establishing Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc on the world stage.
Kevin Judd leads Greywacke as both founder and winemaker, bringing over three decades of Marlborough winemaking experience to his personal venture. His wife Kimberley is also involved in the business operations. The winery operates as an independent venture, with Judd maintaining control over production decisions while working with select growers for fruit sourcing. Beyond winemaking, Judd is an accomplished photographer whose vineyard and winery images have been published in several books, including "The Landscape of New Zealand Wine" and "The Color of Wine."
Vineyards & Wines
Greywacke does not own vineyards but instead sources fruit from prime vineyards in Marlborough's central Wairau Valley and the Southern Valleys. The company maintains long-term contracts with dedicated growers, particularly focusing on mature vineyard sites. A significant portion of Greywacke's fruit comes from the organic-certified vineyard in Rapaura managed by longtime friends, the Sutherland family.
The portfolio centers on Marlborough's signature variety, Sauvignon Blanc, produced in two distinct styles: the classic vibrant expression and "Wild Sauvignon," which undergoes spontaneous fermentation in old French oak barrels. Beyond Sauvignon Blanc, Greywacke produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Riesling. The Southern Valleys, with their loess clay soils, provide fruit for the Pinot Noir, while the stony, free-draining soils of the central Wairau Valley contribute to the aromatic white wines.
The vineyards are situated on alluvial soils containing the namesake greywacke stones, with varying compositions across different sites. The maritime climate of Marlborough, characterized by warm, sunny days and cool nights, contributes to the distinctive flavor profiles in the wines.
Philosophy & Practice
Greywacke's winemaking philosophy balances respect for traditional methods with practical innovation. For the standard Sauvignon Blanc, Judd employs temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve the variety's characteristic freshness and aromatics. In contrast, the "Wild Sauvignon" undergoes spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in old French oak barrels, followed by 11 months of aging on lees, creating a more textural expression.
For Pinot Noir production, Judd uses open-top fermenters with hand plunging, followed by aging in French oak barrels, approximately 25% new, for 16-18 months. Chardonnay is whole-bunch pressed and barrel-fermented with indigenous yeasts, then aged on lees in French oak for 18 months.
Judd maintains a hands-on approach throughout the winemaking process, from harvest decisions to final blending. The winery operates from a dedicated facility in Marlborough, allowing for precise control over all aspects of production. While not heavily marketed as such, Greywacke works primarily with growers who follow sustainable viticultural practices, including the organic-certified Sutherland family vineyard, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility that aligns with New Zealand's broader wine industry standards.