Villa Maria Pinot Gris 2007

VINTAGE
The 2006 vintage across the North and South Islands of New Zealand were characterised by warm summery conditions for most parts of the harvest season. Marlborough was fine with warmer than average evening temperatures promoting rapid veraison and ripening conditions. Hawkes Bay experienced some heavy rain early in the season especially around the coastal viticultural sites but the main part of the harvest the season was warm and dry. Auckland experienced a second consecutive outstanding vintage with warm and dry weather conditions prevailing.

VINEYARDS
Fruit was sourced from the Hawkes Bay, Marlborough and Auckland wine growing regions. The vineyard in Marlborough is on free draining soils in the Awatere Valley, while the Hawkes Bay and Auckland vineyards are on heavier soils close to the coast. The vineyards are all on vertical shoot positioned management systems allowing for good bunch exposure.

WINEMAKING
Harvested, crushed and de-stemmed, the fruit was immediately pressed to avoid excess skin contact. The free run juice was naturally settled and then racked clear to begin fermentation. Neutral winemaking yeast strains were used to ferment the wine to dryness and regular lees stirring employed for two months to enhance the texture of the wine. Post fermentation the wine was gently fined, stabilised, filtered and bottled.

TASTING NOTES

This wine is displaying spicy cinnamon, ripe pear and stonefruit aromas. On the palate the wine is soft and creamy, with a balanced sweetness and finishes with superb length (August 2006).

FOOD MATCH
Poultry, olives, pasta, cheese, walnuts and fruit.