Technical information
Varietal percentage: 100% Pinot Grigio
Picked: Feb-March 2021
Area harvested: 27.5 Ha
Yield: 59Hl/Ha
Average brix: 19
Vintage 2021
Winter 2021 was the wettest winter we had seen in 10 years, slow steady rains helped to penetrate the soil and provide good moisture to the vine roots. Vine health was high and vine growth very strong which provided some extra pressures in terms of vine management. The steady rain stopped and we had a cooler than usual summer which meant the vines spent more time in the optimal temperature range for flavour and phenolic development (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius). These ideal conditions resulted in what winemakers refer to as a ‘vintage year’, where optimal conditions result in high quality and reasonably high yield. The last time we saw such great conditions was in 2002.
Vinification
The Pinot Grigio was harvested at four different stages and levels of ripeness to help build complexity of flavours. The juice was drained off the skins right away so as not to pick up any colour from the pink/bronze coloured berries and was then left to settle for 24 hours before racking and then fermentation. A yeast strain was used to ensure maximum extraction of varietal characters, while fermentation temperatures were kept low to capture freshness and aromatics.
Maturation
Fermentation vessel: stainless steel
Type & percentage of oak used: nil oak used
Fining agent: milk products
Filtration: sterile
The Wine
Pale straw in colour with a soft green olive hue. This wine exudes fresh pear and granny smith apple aromas, balanced by zingy citrus notes. The palate is fresh and crunch with zippy acidity and apple, pear and lime flavours. The wine shows great depth and texture, refreshing acidity and good length. Joel thinks this is his best Pinot Grigio in at least 10 years. Enjoy this wine with a prawn, basil & tomato pasta or fish and chips.
Final Analysis
Alcohol: 12.5% alc/vol
Acid: 6.5g/L
Bottled: May 2021
Released: June 2021
pH: 3.19
