The 2023 season was again challenging, with cyclone Gabrielle hitting Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay in early February.
Fortunately, Gisborne was not hit as badly as Hawke’s Bay and with intense groundwork and canopy management we were able to hand harvest our Merlot in excellent condition with wonderfully ripe flavours and balanced acidity.
Our vineyards are accredited by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, while incorporating principles 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: The clone 481 Merlot for this Rosé is sourced from our Patutahi Knight Road vineyard. The soil of this sub region is clay dominant with pumice layering in places. Hand harvested to ensure only the best bunches are selected, on the 22nd of March 2023 at 22 Brix.
We ensure the fruit zone is well leaf plucked to maximise air flow and sunshine penetration.
Winemaking: The whole bunches were quickly destemmed and then pressed immediately to retain just a blush of pink without bitterness from the skin. Lightly clarified juice was then fermented at cool temperature with aromatic yeast which maximises floral and berry notes on the nose and fruit intensity on the palate.
Analyses: Off dry with 8g//L RS, pH 3.1, TA 7.3g/L and Alcohol 12.7%.
Delicious with antipasti, smoked duck and salmon, as well as retro but perfectly made prawn cocktails!
