Heartland Viognier Pinot Gris 2006

Heartland Wines was created by a small group of leading South Australian wine identities who are all good friends and share a passion for making great wine. The directors include second generation winemakers Ben Glaetzer and wine industry professionals Grant Tilbrook and Vicki Arnold.

All the wines are made by Ben Glaetzer and are made with fruit from the director's own mature vineyards in the Limestone Coast and Langhorne Creek, South Australia.

Region: 83%Langhorne Creek & 17% LimestoneCoast

Variety: 68% Viognier, 32% Pinot Gris

2006 Harvest: Many regions suffered from a early February heart wave, with 4 days in excess of 40 degrees. We were fortunate that we could rely on the Langhorne Creek Doctor, a cooling breeze that runs through the district at 4.30pm each afternoon. This meant that our whites were able to maintain their acidity and not develop broad, flabby flavours. The first Viognier parcel was harvested earlier than most years, a reflection of the accelerated ripening due to the warmth. We harvested four separate batches of Viognier, ranging from 10.5 Baume to 15.5 Baume. The Pinot Gris component was harvested at 12 Baume and left on skins in the press to develp tannin and structure. All components were fermented searately, and then blended pre-bottling. The wine shows intense citrus and tropical fruit with tight acid and minerality.

Vinification:Both varieties vinified separately, with three harvest dates of the components to provide contrasting, compatible ripeness flavours.  The Viognier (two separate harvest dates) was crushed, chilled and pressed immediately, the Pinot Gris allowed a short period of skin contact to enhance the palate structure.  Cool ferment (8-14 degrees) in stainless steel followed by lees stirring and cold stabilisation. Bottled early to retain aromatics and freshness.

Tasting Notes: The nose is bursting with stone fruits - peaches and apricots and some lime citrus characters. The delicious multi-layered palate begins with typical Viognier pear flavours intermingling with fresh melon flavours from the Pinot Gris.

Alcohol:                   13.5%

Total Acidity:           6.0

pH:                           3.48

Residual Sugar:      2.9g/l

| Print Friendly Tasting Notes |