The blend for this wine comprises three varietals selected from three unique vineyard sites.
The Pinot Gris provides aromatic traits and primary fruit notes and the fruit comes from light alluvial gravels in the Waihopai and Wairau River confluence areas. The Grüner Veltliner offers excellent structure and a peppery nature, while the Riesling adds a refreshing acidity and citrus characters. The Grüner Veltliner and Riesling grapes come from the Central Wairau Valley, which has a warm, sunny climate cooled by winds from the Pacific Ocean.
This river flood plain has very diverse soils, from stony river wash to deep alluvium. All the vineyards are sustainably cultivated and are SWNZ accredited. This sustainable approach sees minimal use of vineyard sprays, open canopies with good light and airflow, leaf plucking along with fruit and shoot thinning.
Winemaking- This Pétillant Naturel wine was produced using minimal intervention. The lightly pressed juice from the three varietals was blended prior to starting a slow and clean fermentation process. Fermentation was partially arrested at an ideal balance of remaining sugar and alcohol, before being racked straight into bottles, capped, and placed into a cool room to continue fermentation through to dryness. Completing this process under crown cap captured the effervescence created during this final fermentation, resulting in a lightly sparkling and unfiltered wine that may have a cloudy appearance and a sediment. Due to the nature of this winemaking style, slight variances amongst bottles are to be expected.
Tasting Note- A delightfully crisp and refreshing gently sparkling wine, with layered notes of fresh green apple, white stone fruits, a delicate hint of citrus and elegant lees influence.
