PINOT BLANC

This reasonably unusual white grape variety is a close relative of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
It is a special wine for us made in tiny quantity and from some of the oldest vines in the region, planted in the mid 1970s.
Pinot Blanc is versatile and responds well to a range of winemaking approaches, from tank fermented, fruit-driven, aromatic styles to the more complex, oak fermented, savoury style somewhat akin to Chardonnnay. Either way, the wine has a rich, textural quality which increases with bottle age. Like Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris, the wine is naturally low in acidity and gains structure and length of flavour from phenolics.

After some experimentation we have settled on a style fermented and aged for 12-13 months in seasoned, larger volume French oak. This adds a gentle spice and added complexity while allowing the fruit to remain in the foreground. A few grams of residual sugar enhances the volume of the wine and compliments mildly spicy food styles, terrines and chacouterie.

Hope Vineyard Pinot Blanc