Technical information
Varietal percentage: 100%
Pinot Grigio Picked: February 2018
Area harvested: 2 Ha
Yield: 40Hl/Ha
Average brix: 23
Vintage 2018
The 2018 growing season provided many challenges including some extreme weather events such as rain, humidity, windstorms and heatwaves. The King Valley had 80mm of rain in November providing some deep watering for the vines, which held them in good stead with the extreme temperatures encountered throughout December and January. Throughout February the King Valley had some classical ripening conditions with high 20 to low 30 degree-days followed by the beautiful cool nights and the cooling King Valley breeze that runs through our vineyards. Yields will be average this year, which bears well for some top quality grapes and some intense, flavoursome wines.
Vinification
Two parcels of Pinot Grigio were harvested to make the White Fields Pinot Grigio; one from a section of our leading Pinot Grigio vineyard and the other from one of the coldest parts of the King Valley, Whitlands. These two vineyards are chosen as they naturally produce low yields and grapes with great intensity of flavour. The grapes were handpicked and placed in a cool room for two days to cool to 6 degrees Celsius as this helps increase the quality of juice pressed from the grapes, grapes are also only pressed very lightly to collect the best juice. A portion of the juice was fermented in barrels with wild yeast to add some lovely creamy texture and funky notes, the balance was fermented in a stainless tank with added yeast. Lees are stirred for 5 months following fermentation to add a creamier texture and richness to the wine before being bottled.
Maturation
Fermentation vessel: 50% stainless steel & 50% barrel fermentation
Oak used: 30% old French oak
Filtration: sterile
Fining agent: fish products
The Wine
This wine is a straw colour with lime hues. The nose is complex with yeasty and nutty notes, which combine with aromas of lemon zest, green apple and pear. On the palate zesty acidity is balanced by yeasty characters from the lees, providing lovely length and mouthfeel. The pear, green apple and subtle honey characters follow through to the palate rounding it nicely. Try this wine with lime-seared scallops on a light celeriac mash.
Final analysis
Alcohol: 12.1% Alc/Vol
Acid: 7.2 g/L
pH: 3.32
Bottled: September 2018
Release: October 2019
