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NOTES
Chrismont incorporates the winery and cellar door operations in Cheshunt, in addition to estate vineyards located in Cheshunt & Whitfield. The beautiful, undulating property in the heart of the agriculturally rich and diverse King Valley was dedicated initially to tobacco production in the 1960’s. Arnie with his father Arnold transitioned the property to wine grape production in the late 1970’s.
Over the almost 30 years since then, the King Valley and Chrismont vineyards have become synonymous with the production of high quality wine grapes for red, white, and sparkling wine. Of particular interest to the region, and indeed Chrismont, are the plantings of traditional Italian varieties in the area.
The variations from one vintage to the next, particularly relevant in a cool climate wine region such as the King Valley, are at the heart of boutique winemaking at Chrismont; the hands-on crafting of single vineyard, single varietal wines into the truest representation of grape, vineyard, vintage and winemaker through a combination of traditional and modern techniques.
TASTING NOTES
A colour of straw being spun into gold; the nose has distinctive yet delicate aromas of green apple, nashi fruit (Asian pear) & citrus. The palate displays stewed apple, quince & pear with a hint of savoury spice. Made for seafood, whether raw, lightly sautéed, grilled or lightly sauced with cream or butter.
REVIEWS
Seems to have a little more texture than most, although the flavours are in usual spectrum of pear and apple. Screwcap. 12.5% alc. 87 Points James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010
I first came across Chrismont’s La Zona Pinot Grigio at Richmond Hill Cafe in Melbourne in the late ‘90s. Since then it’s never failed to impress...This wine is another cracker from the Chrismont team. It’s a welcome return after the devastation of the 2007 bushfires that wiped out the entire King Valley vintage. Subtle and perfectly varietal, the ’08 pinot grigio harnesses flavours of honey, nougat, ripe brown pears and finishes with elegant balanced acidity. The bottle disappeared effortlessly. 5 Stars, FERGUS McGHIE in The Canberra Times
January 28 2009
Pinot grigio is the Italian version of the French pinot gris. The latter can be rich, alcoholic and textural whereas the former is usually crisp, lean and dry with subtle fruit. The French style needs robust food whereas the Italian style is more versatile with food. Fermented in stainless steel to retain its natural fruity appeal, the colour is pale straw and bright. The nose is inviting, with hints of citrus, green apple and roasted almonds and the palate is delightfully crisp and clean with more apple and pear characters to the fore. Nicely balanced with good length, lowish alcohol (12.5 per cent) and sealed with a screwcap.
With food: seafood, chicken salads
Ageing: drink within two years
In a word: classical.
DAVID SUTHERLAND in Border Mail April 17, 2009
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