LEFTFIELD ALBARIÑO, GISBORNE, NEW ZEALAND

Description VITICULTURE This aromatic white wine grape, hailing from Spain and Northern Portugal, also performs exceedingly well in Gisborne. The 2019 harvest was one of the finest on record. Spring was cool and wet and the weather over key flowering periods seemed unkind at the time. Crops were eventually down as much as 25%, but this alone does not explain the quality of the fruit at harvest. Summer was fine and warm with intermittent rain keeping a drought prone province green, the vines seemingly never under any stress. Veraison though had proceeded quickly over a fine spell of weather which would give consistency to the ripeness of berries. Harvest arrived slightly early but no records were broken here. In fact it seemed very much a normal harvest until we approached our first pick. The berries though had developed abnormally thick skins blessed with an abundance of colour and flavour. This coupled with a spell of fine weather over harvest period, allowed us to pick when full ripeness had been achieved. WINEMAKING The fruit was picked and gently pressed to stainless steel tanks. 85% of the clear juice was racked and fermented with yeast selected to highlight the lovely aromatics and texture of this exciting variety. The remaining 15% of the juice was run to seasoned French Oak Puncheons for a natural fermentation which adds complexity and richness to the wine. OAK TREATMENT 15% in French oak. TASTING NOTE Gorgeous little citrus flowers link arms with melon and peach to dance in the sunshine, always maintaining an air of class. Meanwhile, lime lingers in the shadows vying for attention. FOOD MATCHING Grilled and Roasted White Meats Fish/Shellfish Salads and Picnics Mild Creamy Cheeses Mature Strong Cheeses Oriental Spicy TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION Blend: 100% Albariño​ ABV: 13% Closure: Screwcap Colour: White Style: Still wine Suitable for Vegetarians: No Suitable for Vegans: No Organic: No Biodynamic: No