The 2026 season was superb at the beginning of the season, with excellent flowering conditions and rainfall at perfect times during the rest of the summer. Albariño develops excellent flavour concentration in Gisborne, especially in Patutahi where the days are warm and the nights are cool.
Our vineyards are accredited by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, while incorporating principals of biodiversity, minimal herbicide, and insecticide use. All the Thompson’s vineyards are dry farmed; no irrigation is necessary for our grapevines to thrive.
Growing: Our Albariño is sourced from our Knight Road vineyard in Patutahi. The soil in these vineyards is clay dominant with pumice layers throughout. Hand harvested to ensure only the best bunches late March 2026.
We ensure the fruit zone is well leaf plucked to maximise air flow and sunshine penetration.
Winemaking: Hand harvesting provides the opportunity to chill the whole bunches overnight, which maximises flavour and aroma during pressing. Gentle pressing reduces the baseline bitterness of the juice as well, which is slightly clarified before being transferred to seasoned barriques for fermentation. The ferment is initiated with wild yeast and completed with a complex blend of various yeast to maximise richness. Traditionally fined with fresh skim milk prior to filtration and bottling.
Analyses: 1.5g//L RS, pH 3.58, TA = 6.6g/L and Alcohol 13.5%.
Perfect with antipasti, freshly grilled prawns, roasted vegetables and just caught fish.
