Waimea Estates
Pinot Gris Nelson
2018
About this winery
The Waimea Plains have a long history of growing fresh produce due to its rich soils and consistent rain fall in the area. Early Maori settlers had successfully planted large kumara crops in the area due to cooler climates and high sunshine hours. In the 1820’s there was an influx of European sealers and whalers to the area who then began to trade with local Maori for their kumara, potatoes and corn grown on the Waimea Plains. Fast forward to the 90’s and in 1993 Waimea Estate was...
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Production notes
The fruit was harvested early in the morning and gently pressed while still cold, to preserve aromatics and minimize phenolic pick up. After cold settling for 3 days, the clear juice was fermented with Alsatian yeasts selected for their ability to enhance body, texture and varietal aromas in the finished wine. A moderately cool fermentation (13-15°) in stainless steel tanks has preserved freshness and fruit expression, contributing to the elegance of this wine. Fermentations were stopped with some residual sugar remaining, to balance the mineral and fine phenolic structure of this Pinot Gris. Batonnage (or lees stirring) was carried out for 4 months to further enhance texture and depth on the palate. The individual portions were assessed and blended in September, after which the wine was stabilized, cross flow filtered, and bottled in early March 2012.
Tasting notes
The caressing sweetness of this cuvee is balanced by lovely acidity. Notes of pear, honeydew, mandarin and green apple make the wine quite inviting.