2015 Whitehaven Grüner Veltliner
Accolades
5 STARS / Top 10 - Wine Orbit - Sam Kim 5 Stars (93 points) Wine Orbit
Tasting Note
Colour / Appearance:Light straw, with a star-bright quality. Aroma / Bouquet:Lifted honeysuckle, grapefruit and peach fruit flavours, with hints of pepper, lemon sherbet and ginger spice. Palate:A medium-bodied wine with a soft, supple texture and an abundance of aromatic and spice flavours which persist on the lengthy, clean finish. Cellaring:Ready to enjoy now or within three years of vintage. Food Match:Will pair well with lightly spiced Asian cuisine, grilled asparagus or artichokes. Serve:Lightly chilled.
Wine Analysis
Alcohol:13.5 %Residual Sugar:4.7 g/L Titratable Acidity:4.5 g/L pH:3.24
Viticulture
Harvest Date:4 April 2015. Climate:The season started with a very dry, late winter and early spring. Whilst the temperatures were similar to the long term average, they varied greatly, with a number of warm days followed by cold spells. Colder conditions over flowering resulted in average yields. In late December, the climate became very warm and dry; ideal conditions for ripening. This fine weather continued over harvest, meaning the grapes could be picked at ideal ripeness, with intense flavours. Vine Management:The vines were pruned to two canes, with vertical shoot positioning. Balanced pruning, shoot thinning, wire lifting and trimming, ensured favourable canopy conditions.
Vinification
Winemaking:The fruit was machine harvested in the cool morning conditions and gently pressed. After settling and clarification, the juice was fermented at very low temperature, with a select yeast strain to retain the fruit’s varietal flavours. The wine was stirred on lees to aid mouthfeel and texture. Winemaker:Sam Smail and Diana Katardzhieva.