Fernlands Sauvignon Blanc 2020

TASTING NOTE

A fresh aromatic intensity on the nose evokes notes of citrus, passionfruit and box hedge. The palate is focused delivering grapefruit, kiwifruit and citrus flavours with an underlying richness. The juicy Marlborough acidity extends the palate leading to a salivating finish.

FOOD MATCHING

A fresh Caprese salad of buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomato and basil.
 

ORIGIN

Marlborough, New Zealand

WINEMAKING

Sauvignon Blanc fruit was harvested at optimal ripeness, pressed and cold settled. Juice was inoculated with varietal specific yeasts followed by a long, cool fermentation allowing tropical notes to develop. The wine was bottled early to promote freshness.

ANALYSIS

Alcohol                     12.5%
pH                             3.13
Titratable Acidity     6.4g/L
Residual Sugar         4.7g/L

VINTAGE

The growing season and harvest of 2020 was a thoroughly “good news” story despite the challenges thrown at us by COVID-19.

Bud burst came early this season, but cool dry weather meant leaf development and canopy growth was drawn out. By November temperatures warmed up and rainfall levels returned to near normal. By December the above average warmth contributed to early and speedy flowering in early season varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Between Christmas and March, the season bounced back strongly with a very consistent period of hot, dry weather; the driest Marlborough has seen in 88 years. Harvest began with fruit for our sparkling wine programme and moved swiftly through our Waihopai River Vineyard and finally onto cooler areas of Leefield Station. We believe the quality of the wine to come from our Waihopai and Southern Valleys vineyards will make 2020 memorable – delivering aromatic wines full of bright and exuberant freshness – a vintage to be remembered for more than just a pandemic.