Winery: Borthwick Vineyard                                   
Region: Wairarapa
Grapes: Pinot Gris
Vintner: Paddy Borthwick
History: Established in 1996 the family owned and managed Borthwick Vineyard perfectly captures the special region of Gladstone, New Zealand. Ancient stony, alluvial soils and cool climate allows the grapes to grow in harmony in their environment. Sustainably practices and minimal intervention in the vineyard and winery gives our wines their distinctive single vineyard characteristics and flavor.
Vineyard Location: Gladstone, Wairarapa, New Zealand. 280 feet asl. Row orientation of north-south for even ripening. Chose the site for the climatic extremes and fantastic soils for growing Sauvignon Blanc. Climatic factors of low rainfall, ( rain shadow) low humidity due to NW winds and a long ripening season during autumn (allowing the grapes to fully mature) with fantastic diurnal temperature fluctuations.
Soil Type: Free draining wind blown loess amongst silt loam 25 yards deep on an old river bed.
Age of vines: 5 to 8 years old. Clones Barrie, Berry-Smith and 141 grafted on Riparia Gloire
Oak Handling: 40% fermented and aged in old oak, balance in tank.
Fining and filtration: X-Flow filtered.
Analysis: Alcohol: 13.8% PH:3.39 TA:4.8gms/l Residual Sugar:4.0gms/l
Fermentation: The harvested fruit was processed quickly into tank to retain the vibrant aromas and fresh acidity. Settled and inoculated in tank and barrel for a long slow cool fermentation. The wine was lees stirred and blended after 5 months on lees, filtered and bottled.
Tasting notes: This native of France and Italy is a fantastic variety to grow in New Zealand, but demands the same attentive treatment as Pinot Noir. Perfumed aromas of pears and spice with a rich middle palate. Displays a purity of aromatic fruit which follows through on the wonderful palate. Fantastic balance of flavor and texture.