de la terre Viognier 2014
THE KEY POINTS
• Grapes from the main limestone terrace of our Hill Country Estate vineyard
• A fresh and lively Viognier. A wine based on elegance, balance and varietal definition.
• Grapes were handpicked and gently pressed in small batches.
THE VINTAGE
Following on from the stunning 2013 vintage, 2014 was yet another fantastic year for grapes in Hawkes Bay.
Following an excellent flowering, the growing season was warm and dry through the main harvesting period.
We extended our winery in 2014 - effectively doubling our processing area as well as purchasing a range of new equipment. This allowed us to now process all 40 tonnes on site at de la terre, thus giving us greater hands-on control of the winemaking.
THE GRAPES
Grapes were from the main north-facing terrace of our Hill Country Estate vineyard.
Fruit was harvested at various stages of maturity – from approximately 22 to 24 Brix. This maturity variation provided a more interesting aroma and flavour profile in the final wine.
Careful vineyard management resulted in grapes that were very clean, free of botrytis and full-flavoured.
Although it is possible to harvest this terrace by machine, we chose to hand pick as it gives us greater control of the grapes arriving at our winery.
THE WINE STYLE
A fresh, clean and fruit-driven style of Viognier.
We have intentionally avoided the temptation to use oak or other complexities in order to showcase the Viognier grape variety.
A wine style to drink either on its own or with light and delicate foods.
The wine has been made to drink while young but we expect it to age well over the next 5 or so years.
THE WINEMAKING
Following hand picking, the grapes were pressed very gently in our small bag press.
After overnight settling, cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks using selected yeast strains ‘trapped’ the delicate aromas and flavours of this sensitive variety.
The wine was fermented through to dryness and then given a gentle fining and filtration prior to bottling.
TASTING NOTES
Colour - a healthy, vibrant pale straw hue
Nose - fresh and delicate notes of citrus blossom and lychee with hints of apricot and honey
Palate - an elegant and refined balance of ripe, clean Viognier flavours and gentle acidity.
Flavours of honey, lychee and light citrus dominate.
The finish is clean, crisp and long.
A wonderful celebration of the Viognier variety.
Tony Prichard,
Winemaker