“It wasn’t long ago that a winemaker deemed to be “experimental” was one who planted a new grape variety. If the variety’s name was suitably evocative (eg Albarino), the producer wasn’t just experimental, but a rebellious pathfinder. It’s always interesting to see how a new variety adapts to life in Aotearoa. However, that’s no longer the cool laboratory. The best experiments today are all about method, in the vineyard and winery, no matter what variety you’re dealing with.”
John Saker, Food & wine
Read the full article online http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/food-wine/drinks/90921469/john-saker-winemakers-try-something-new-throwing-out-the-roseworthy-rules
MAHANA Gravity Sauvignon Blanc
Long gentle pressing of the fruit to preserve the varietal aromas and minimise astringency. Minimal settling followed by a natural fermentation with ambient vineyard yeasts in a combination of tank and selected seasoned barrels. No fining and minimal filtration. Estate bottled by gravity followed by bottle maturation before release.
Full solids, natural yeast ferments including some old barrels all add layer of texture and complexity allowing them to make a very honest Sauvignon Blanc without the usual 4-6 grams of sugar. Plenty of WOW factor.
TASTING NOTES
Vibrant yellow, with an alluring nose of pineapple, wild flowers with a rich savoury complexity. The mineral structure underpins the fleshy texture and succulent acidity.
MAHANA Gravity Pinot Gris
The vines were carefully tended through pruning, trimming and leaf plucking to ensure open healthy leaf canopies were maintained. Certified organic with BioGro NZ.
Hand harvested fruit from naturally low-yielding vines. Whole clusters then pressed over five hours. Minimal settling with no SO² addition. Natural fermentation for six months in stainless steel tanks with 10% in old 500 lire puncheons, 15% of the blend is skin fermented whole berries – adding detail, complexity and structure. Extended elevage on the yeast lees enhances the rich mouth feel.
TASTING NOTES
Enticing aromas of tree ripened pears with a savoury complexity. Delicate spice and soft roundness highlight a fine textured palate. Chalky minerality and hints of feijoa spirit and quincy characters. A light floral lift with classic savoury malt and white mushroom notes, good palate weight and purity. Taught, tangy finish.
MAHANA Gravity Pinot Noir
The clay bound gravels impart a fine textual complexity to the vine. Hand harvested clusters from superior parcels of the Mahana vineyard. Destemmed and sorted. 30% whole cluster. 5% Pinot Gris co-fermented. Ambient macerations (5 days) until natural fermentation commended. Inoculated with natural vineyard yeast. After 30 days maceration pressed then drained to French barrels, 10% of which were new. Prolonged malolactic fermentation in early summer. Estate bottled by Gravity.
Gold medal – Melbourne International Wine completions
TASTING NOTES
A rich ruby hue, lifted and floral with spiced, macerated black cherries and hints of earth. Soft and generous, the fleshy palate surrounds finely grained tannins.