Chelsea Riesling is named after my charming daughter. It's a delicious, medium-sweet style from our small Riesling vineyard in Bannockburn, which grows down a northwest facing, sheltered and sunny slope.

Wild Earth Vineyards Chelsea Riesling 2010

Winemaker: Steve Davies

Viticulturist: Pip Feyen

Vineyard Notes:

The grapes for this wine came from our 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. This is the 6th year we have picked fruit, and made our own wine, from these vines. The block of Riesling vines is a little less than two hectares - with 4,977 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:

A single small tank fermentation was undertaken with a specific style of Riesling in mind. The juice was innoculated and the must underwent a cool fermentation, where temperature was controlled over a period of time. Fermentation was stopped by chilling in order to balance the natural acidity with residual sugar. The wine was clarified using milk products and then filtered in preparation for being bottled in mid November.

 Analysis:

Alcohol:                        10.2%

Titratable Acidity:           6.86g/L

pH:                               2.93

Residual Sugar:              46 g/L

Aromatic and Palate:

Cooler, pale straw with pale hues. Presents aromas of lifted honeysuckle, peach and citrus. On the palate it is rich, with medium sweet ripe peach, grapefruit marmalade, limes and minerality. Nicely balanced with a long finish matching perfectly with spicy food such as Asian or Indian, plus shellfish, fish, chicken and pork dishes.