2015 WHITE LABEL SAXONVALE VERDELHO

Margan Verdelho has been coming from the old Saxonvale vineyards on the red volcanic soils of the Fordwich Sill for many years now. We usually do a 3 pick program for it where I pick early for acid, middle for balance and late for tropical rich spiciness. In 2015 we picked Block 15 (a 5 acre 40 year old block) separately because it had all of the components I look for in the one batch of fruit. The natural ripeness and acidity balance will ensure this wine drinks well young but also will mature beautifully.

Growing Season

The 2015 vintage was a classic white vintage in the Hunter. The fruit from this vintage was selected for its finesse and balance that have allowed us to make a fine white wine.

Vineyard

These old vines were planted in the 1970’s and produce low yielding and concentrated fruit. The vineyard is a small 5-acre block of 15 rows facing north south, planted on red volcanic clay of the Fordwich Sill.

Winemaking

The grapes for this wine were handpicked, highly clarified and cold fermented with aromatic yeasts in stainless steel tanks to maintain elegance and subtle aromas. This wine doesn’t see any oak and is bottled early to maintain freshness.

Tasting Notes

The rich volcanic soils of the Fordwich Sill leaves its footprint by way of a uniquely generous mid palate weight at a young age allowing this wine to be easily approached now and also age gracefully over the next 5-10yrs. Aromatics of white stone fruits are followed by a palate with guava and pineapple with a zippy acidity cleansing the palate.

Wine Composition

pH                                                          3.23

Titratable Acidity                                7.2g/L

Alcohol                                                  13%

Residual Sugar                                     < 1g/L

Vine Age

40 years

Food Match

Chargrilled scampi with chilli garlic butter and sweet corn salsa

Cellaring Potential

Enjoy young and fresh, will cellar over the next five to ten years