Wild Earth Pinot Gris 2010

Winemaker: Steve Davies

Viticulturist: Pip Feyen

Vineyard Notes:

The grapes for this wine came from our original vineyard located on Felton Road in Bannockburn.  These vines are sited on a broad terrace close to the Kawarau River, with full exposure to northern sun.  The block of Pinot Gris vines is one hectare in size - with 2,588 vines planted in total.  The 2010 vintage was late starting and cool into January, resulting in a small fruit set.  Summer started in January and it was very hot through harvest.  The fruit was picked ripe, and with the lower crop level, the grapes developed excellent fruit intensity and sweetness.

Winemaking considerations:

Ripe, clean fruit was hand harvested from the Bannockburn Estate Vineyard during the last week in April.  The fruit was gently whole bunch pressed, settled, and the majority fermented very slowly in a stainless steel tank.  Alongside this, a portion (50%) was transferred to 225 litre old French barrels, and a warm ferment was undertaken with wild yeast.  The wines went through malo-lactic fermentation in August.

After fermentation was finished, the wine was blended and then given extended lees contact over a period of 3 months to give the wine more complexity, with lees stirring taking place frequently during this time.  After maturation the wine was fined using milk products.  The wine underwent filtration prior to being bottled in mid-November.

Analysis:

Alcohol:                        13.2%

Titratable Acidity:           6.15g/L

pH:                              3.36g/L

Residual Sugar:             11.8g/L

Aromatic and Palate:

Presents aromas of ripe pear with tropical notes of guava and almond.  On the palate it is rich, succulent and weighty, with notes of nectarine.  The rich flavours and viscous finish make it a good match for flavoursome or spicy food