Fromm La Strada Marlborough Syrah 2016

Description

In Marlborough Syrah is right on the edge of its growing limits because of the cool climate, yet it pleasantly surprises us time and time again. Syrah’s flavours are attractive across the spectrum of ripeness. At the lower level it has that classic white pepper character found in many northern Rhône wines. As it gets riper in hotter vintages it becomes richer and bigger, showing more "sweet" fruit. Fromms Syrah has distinct varietal definition as it never gets overripe and often reaches physiological maturity at relatively low sugar levels. These lower alcohol with tasty acidity giev this wine refined power!

Fromm believe Syrah is perfectly suited to their climate in Marlborough giving them with low crop levels and ability to maintain very high standards viticulturally, with the vineyards being certified organic and hand harvesting. This vintage's fruit was mainly sourced from Fromm's Vineyard in the Wairau Valley Renwick where the soild are alluvial gravel & silt and another pprox. 5% from the Clayvin Vineyard in Brancott Valley. In recent years Fromm have planted a few rows of Viognier, which they co-ferment with their Syrah, as traditionally done in Côte Rôtie.

In the winery grapes were 100% de-stemmed, with a large number of whole berries in the ferment (approx. 75%). The ferment was 100% wild, in tank with Viognier co-fermented (2%). This fermentation took place at controlled temps of approx. 28◦c. The juice spent a total of approximantly 3 weeks on the skins and 18 Months in French Oak Barrel of which 12-15% was new oak. A mixture of both Piéce & Demi-Muid French oak barrels were used. The wine is unfined& unfiltered and no enzymes added.