Akarua Pinot Gris

Tasting Note

VARIETY

100% Pinot Gris

REGION

Region: Central Otago

Sub Region: Bannockburn

VINEYARD

Akarua Estate Vineyard

Vineyard block(s): Clutha Clones 20/15 and 20/21, Cairnmuir White Barry & Larcome clones

Aspect: North / West

Vine orientation: East / West

Height above sea level: Ranges from 219 - 250m

Soil: Young alluvial, schist based sandy/silt and very sandy free draining loams.

Vine age: 14 years Clutha, 6 years Cairnmuir White

Trellis System: 2 cane VSP

Pruning: shoot thinned, crop thinned to 3kg/ fruit per vine Clutha and 1.8kg/fruit per vine

VINTAGE 2011

Picking date(s): Blocks harvested at optimum ripeness 31 March-10 April 2011

Growing conditions: A cooler, wetter season overall.

Grower Degree Days: 1042 (Clutha), 983 (Cairnmuir White) GDD

Rain mls: 312mm for Sept-April growing season.

VINIFICATION

Ferment Vessel: Stainless steel tank and 15% in old neutral oak barriques.

Yeast: Inoculated – various strains

Fermentation Temp: 11-13°

Post fermentation lees contact: stirred once a week for 6 months.

APPEARANCE

Bright and clear with a pale golden hue.

STYLE

Well structured with a richness and poise that typifies Akarua Pinot Gris.

BOUQUET

Lifted aromas of orange blossom and pear juice.

PALATE

A lush layered palate with white peach and citrus flavours. The wine finishes with a zesty punch of fresh ginger and orange peel tang.

CELLARING

3-5 years.

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

Viticulturalist • Gillian Wilson

Winemaker • Matt Connell

Bottled • Feb 2012

Brix at Harvest • 22-24

Alcohol • 14 %

Residual Sugar • 9.8g/l

Titratable Acidity • 8.0

pH • 3.2