Mystery Marlborough Albariño 2017

Description

• Bone-dry style
• Lightly oaked
• Citrus zest
• Subtle florals

"Fresh, lively Albariño with bright, tangy orange peel, citrus, apricot and subtle floral flavours. A light-bodied wine in a gentle and restrained style. An Albariño for beginners" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, Feb 2019

A pale gold colour in the glass with a chalky purity and citrus zest and spices on the nose. Pure and minerally, this wine has a medium body and length with a rich and spicy finish.

The 2016-2017 growing season was much warmer than usual, and made tricky by two heavy rain events followed by extended moist conditions that necessitated a rushed harvest. Because of the low cropping levels on this Albariño, the grapes were ripe and ready to harvest before the rain had caised any deterioration in the fruit quality, leading to typical flavour and aromas in the wine. 

The grapes for this Mystery wine were hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed. Fermented on grape soils with a selected yeast strain and aged on lees. Half was fermented and aged in a stainless steel tank and the other portion in old French oak barriques which went through malolactic fermentation with barrel stirring.

A slightly elevated river terrace of deep silt interspersed with fragmented limetsone. Standard trellis with pruning to two canes and vertical shoot positioning. Vines are trimmed closely, well tucked and leaf picking is minimal. Cluster thinning is used to ensure light crops, evenly ripened and balanced fruit.

Food Pairing: Goat milk cheeses, grilled or pan-fried white meats. Excellent for cutting through rich oily foods but also superb with salty and tart dishes, particularly seafood. A refreshing aperitif.