WINEMAKERS COMMENT from the Villa Maria website: www.villamaria.co.nz
Styled to capture the regional essence of Gisborne, the Barrique offers a complex medley of fresh stone fruit aromas with hints of tropical fruits and smoky grilled nut characters. The palate is seamlessly textured with a creamy mid-palate, leading to a finish extended by harmonious acidity. This wine is well-integrated and appealing for enjoyment on release, but will continue to develop further complexity with maturation. 5-7 years cellaring.
SOILS AND VITICULTURE
Fruit from the Barrique Fermented blend come from across Gisbornes most prestigious vineyards. The Katoa and McDiarmid Hill sites are western edged vineyards beautifully positioned on north facing gentle hillside slopes. Taking full advantage of the sunlight, dry wind conditions and slightly cooler temperatures, the additional elevation provides the winemakers with a wonderful head start for producing this outstanding wine. In comparison the Ledger block, situated on clay-loam soils in the middle of the Patutahi area, is a relatively warm site ripening full flavoured fruit. Careful yield management and timely leaf plucking around the bunch zone in all blocks ensures that desired fruit ripening and quality can be achieved.