Pinot Gris 2007

Produced by: Wild Earth Wines Ltd
Winemaker: Anna Ward
Consultant to winemaker: Michelle Richardson

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 third harvest that we have made our own wine from these vines. The block of Pinot Gris vines is one hectare in size – with 2,588 vines planted in total.

The cooler spring and early summer led to a slow start to the growing season, and unsettled weather in December affected flowering and fruit-set. Small clusters and berries were typical throughout the region, resulting in lower than expected yields. However, a warm and dry February and March promoted good ripening and clean, high quality fruit. The fruit was picked mid-April, with just over 5 tonnes being harvested. The juice extraction rate was low, reflecting the smaller berry size/bunch weights.

Winemaking considerations:
Ripe, clean fruit was hand-harvested from the Bannockburn Estate Vineyard on 18th April. The fruit was gently whole bunch pressed, settled, and the majority fermented very slowly in a stainless steel tank. Alongside this, a portion (25%) was transferred to 225 litre old French barrels and a warm ferment was undertaken with wild yeast. The wine was given extended lees contact over a period of 3 months to give the wine more complexity, and was lees stirred frequently during this time. After maturation the wine was blended in tank, and fined using milk products. The wine underwent filtration prior to being bottled in mid November.

Aromatic and Palate Comments:
The bouquet is fruity, and this follows through to ripe fruit flavours on the palate. Its a nicely focused wine with good balance, courtesy of well-tuned acids. It boasts a fresh-faced, clean finish.

Created in an medium-dry style, this wine makes an extremely versatile food match being well suited to a wide variety of foods, including seafood and white meats. It would go well with a traditional roast turkey dinner with all the trimmings!