Brookfields ‘Barrique Fermented’ Viognier 2021
Grape Varietal: 100% Viognier
Growing Region: Ohiti Valley, Hawke’s Bay - New Zealand
Owner / Winemaker: Peter Robertson
As Brookfields Vineyards steps forward into its 85th year - ‘founded as a winery in 1937’, they have always set high standards in all that they do, and this character wine reaffirms why Peter and Brookfields are an icon in the wine industry.
Viognier can be difficult, with the grape varietal preferring specific warmer environments and a long growing season. The fruit for this wine was grown in an inland heat trap at Ohiti Estate Vineyards, where they also grow Cabernet Sauvignon and a number of other varietals in selected sites. The low cropping vines were handpicked at physiological ripeness on the last two days of March.
On arrival to the winery the parcels were whole bunch pressed and fermentation took place in a mix of new and seasoned oak barriques. The wine as then left to develop on its lees for 9 months giving the wine a charismatic depth and breadth not often seen with a Viognier, before careful racking and bottling.
★ As you pour into a glass you will be greeted by a summer straw colour with a shining hue. On the nose you will be engaged by a breeze of freshly cut lemon grass, a soft note of peach and forest edge herbs. Across the generous but definitely elegant palate you are reunited with those ripe fleshy peaches, along with being introduced to honeysuckle, along with an almond pastry character from the controlled use of seasoned oak barriques and then wrapping things up nicely in a bow with a clean dry finish.
This 2021 Brookfields Vineyards 'Barrique Fermented' Viognier has 14% Alc./vol. Classic dry style. Chill gently and serve in a generously shaped wine glass at 9°- 10°C. *NZ$27.99
CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 26/2/22)
Drinking perfectly well this season, plus will repay and age nicely for another 4 - 5 years.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with bbq or pan-fried fish, seared tuna steak, seafood bisque, tempura prawns, varied arancini balls, chicken salad, slow cooked aubergine or artichoke dishes, along with mild creamy cheeses - enjoy.
