Winemaker
Frieda Henskens
Grape/s
50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir
GI
Tasmania
Site
Single vineyard (White Rock, Kimberley, NW Tasmania)
Vintage notes
Delayed ripening in 2013 resulted in a prolonged season with sparkling from the coolest sites being picked in May. Warm, dry days and cool, crisp nights resulted in flavourful and balanced fruit.
Vineyard notes
White Rock pioneered winegrowing in Tasmania’s wetter, cooler NW. Planted in 1992, on north-facing slopes overlooking the Mersey river, the vineyard is bathed in bright sunshine & enjoys cool, crisp evening temperatures. The resident flock of guinea fowl are responsible for insect pest management. The fruit was grown on alluvial soils from the “Top Farm” blocks of the vineyard.
Winemaking
Deliberately low-tech, the juice goes straight by bucket from the hand-crank basket press into old oak barrels to undergo spontaneous fermentation. Light lees stirring is used to build texture. The colour is achieved through direct maceration of the pinot noir component on skins prior to pressing, not saignée or the addition of red wine. Six years on lees (disgorged June 2019), 7.5 g/L dosage, TA 7.66 g/L, pH 3.15, no MLF. Vegan friendly.
Closure: DIAM Sparkling
ABV: 13.4%
Tasting notes
Delicate pale blush. Complex nose of fresh red fruits (raspberries, strawberries, cherries), hints of blackcurrant/rhubarb, crunchy red apple with citrus and peach top notes from Chardonnay. Savory undertones and acid line compliment a creamy, textural mouthfeel to give a refined balanced palate and lingering finish.
Serve at 8-10°C with your favourite selection of Tasmanian cheeses, pork terrine, anything char sui, pan seared scallops in a light beurre blanc sauce or fine dark chocolate.
96 points Halliday 2021 Wine Companion
Production size: 830 individually numbered bottles.
