Villa Maria Single Vineyard Seddon Pinot Gris 2021

This Pinot Gris is sourced from our iconic Seddon Vineyard on the southern bank of the Awatere River. This is a rich, textural wine with a creamy palate from spending extended time ageing on yeast lees. Aromas of fresh honeycomb intermingle with juicy summer peaches and crushed almonds. The fleshy palate is framed by a soft but balanced acidity with savoury finish.

VINEYARD: Seddon Vineyard, Awatere Valley SOILS: Loess clay and stony alluvial over sandstone papa VINES: Pinot Gris clone GM2-15 planted on 101-14 The vineyard site is situated on the southern bank of the Awatere River in Marlborough, sheltered from the cooling weather patterns resulting in a warm meso-climate. The loam soils have a distinctive soft clay "papa-rock" base allowing grapes to easily achieve physiological ripeness and fruit concentration. The vineyard has several terraces gradually gaining in altitude away from the riverbank, with vine ages between 15-20 years old.

Summer 2021 was dry and mild with Marlborough’s signature high sunshine hours and cool nights delivering fruit in the best possible condition. The early autumn season provided Marlborough with very stable weather conditions therefore fruit was able to reach optimum physiological and flavour ripeness. The fruit was impeccably clean and the lower yields meant that the grapes packed a punch in flavour and concentration

FRUIT HANDLING: Hand harvested, whole bunch pressed FERMENTATION: 16% natural fermentation in seasoned oak barriques adds texture & complexity, 84% inoculated stainless steel tank fermentation to retain freshness MATURATION: 6 months on yeast lees FINING: Minimal fining using plant based products BOTTLED: 22 December 2021