Mistral 2020
Regular price
$65.00
Sale
"Terrific Rhone Blend!" James Suckling
60% Marsanne, 30% Viognier, 10% Roussanne
This Rhone Valley blend is grown on gravel and sand to an extremely low yield. A blockbuster with ‘off-the-charts’ aromas of honeyed quince and lemon verbena and so much more. While it promises beautiful aging potential, its flamboyance suggests you'll likely enjoy it long before then. Richness and depth, reminiscent of a hot summer stroll through a Mediterranean herb garden, are followed by a creamy, mouth-filling texture and a lingering, spicy finish.
Vintage 2020+
While our grapes thrive in Marlborough's cool nights and sun-drenched days, the name
pays homage to the Mistral wind of France, the home land of these grape varieties. This
brisk wind, cooling Rhone Valley vineyards, preserves grape acidity during scorching
summers. In our sandy, gravelly soils, grapes soak up the sun by day and find solace in the cool nights of the growing season. Hand-picked at the lowest yield offering naturaly
concentrated heavenly perfumed grapes.
Hans' Winemaking Comments+
'The pure fruit were kept cold maceration (skin contact) to extract compounds from flesh,
pulp, skins, and seeds, resulting in a fruit-forward and complex wine with heightened
aromatic and colour intensity. The must of the Marsanne and Roussanne underwent a long, cool wild yeast co-fermentation, while the Viognier fermented separately before being blended and matured in a single 500L French oak puncheon on its fine lees for 22 months. No fining (Vegan), cold stabilization, or filtering to maintain purity and flavours.'
Tasting Notes+
This bold white Rhône blend captivates the senses with aromas of quince, honeydew
melon, and honeycomb, while hints of Mediterranean herbs evoke the fragrant landscapes of Provence. Delightful nuances of minerality enhance the exuberant fruit intensity, reminiscent of the famed Hermitage Blanc wines. Viognier lends its decadent aromatic richness, Roussanne contributes structure and complexity, and Marsanne offers texture and aging potential. This harmonious blend creates a white powerhouse with remarkable texture, culminating in a long, silky finish with a slight salinity that offers continuous delights. Vibrant acidity imparts energy and longevity. (Tasted July 2024)
Technical Data+
Variety | 60% Marsanne, 30% Viognier, 10% Roussanne, |
Rootstock | 101-14, RG |
Vines Planted | Viognier, 1996, Marsanne & Roussanne, 2007 |
Soil | Shallow (<45cm) well drained sandy and gravelly soil, developed from stony alluvium |
Plant Density | 5,500 vines/ha |
Yield | 2t/ha |
Alcohol | 14% |
Residual Sugar | <0.61g/L |
Ageing Potential | 10 years |
Bottles Produced |
630 |
Food Matching Suggestion+
Perfectly paired with seafood like Marlborough crayfish or oysters, as well as with white fish and chicken dishes. However, Hans suggests that it's equally delightful to
enjoy a glass on its own to unwind -no food required.