Vintage Description

A dry winter and an initially cold month of March were followed by above-average temperatures in spring, favouring early bud break and premature flowering. From mid-May to early June the weather was mostly rainy and wet. During the following ripening stage rainfall was evenly distributed and only a few hot days made for short periods of drought. Throughout the summer the nights were refreshingly cool. Harvest began in early September and until mid-October it was repeatedly interrupted by single days of rain, luckily followed by longer periods of sun. The white wines are crispy and fresh and have an intense olfactory appeal. Finesse and elegance characterise the red wines, which already hint at a great aging potential.

Winemaking

At harvest, the grapes are delivered in small bins and gently destemmed and crushed. After 3 to 5 days of cold maceration (15% whole grapes), fermentation takes place slowly at controlled temperatures (26°C) in large oak casks with repeated punch-downs of the must to bring forth the typical aromas of the grape variety.

MATURATION
After aging in French barrels for 12 months and another 6 months in cement vats, the wine is kept in the bottle for at least 6 months prior to commercial release.