Tasting Note

VARIETY

100% Pinot Gris

REGION

Central Otago
Sub-region: Bannockburn (Cairnmuir)

VINEYARD

Akarua Estate Vineyard

Vineyard block(s): Clutha Clones 20/15 and 20/21, Cairnmuir White Barry & Larcombe Clones
Aspect: North/West
Vine orientation: East/West
Height above sea level: Ranges from 219 - 270m
Soil: Young alluvial, schist based sandy/silt and very sandy free draining loams.
Vine age: 13 Years Clutha, 5 Years Cairnmuir White
Trellis System: 2 cane VSP
Pruning: shoot thinned, crop thinned to 3kg fruit per vine Clutha and 1.2kg/ fruit per vine

VINTAGE 2010

Picking date(s): Blocks harvested at optimum ripeness 6-20 April 2010
Growing conditions: A cooler season overall
Grower Degree Days: 1040 (Clutha), 1014 (Cairnmuir White) GDD
Rain mls: 211mm 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.

SERVING / CELLARING

Serve well chilled. Will cellar for 3-5 years.

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

Viticulturist: Gillian Wilson
Winemaker: Matt Connell
Bottled: Jan 2011
Brix at Harvest: 22-24
Alcohol: 13.5 %
Residual Sugar: 9.6g/l
Titratable Acidity: 6.6
pH: 3.3