Loveblock ‘Organic’ Marlborough Pinot Gris 2019
Grape Varietal: 100% Pinot Gris
Growing Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Owners & Winemaker: Erica & Kim Crawford
4 Stars ★★★★
In 2004 Kim & Erica Crawford found an untamed piece of land in the Awatere Valley - Marlborough region of New Zealand. Both working in the wine industry for most of their lives, they began to wonder about the possibilities of this natural site - and how this unique terroir would translate to flavours in different wines. They asked themselves - can we make wine that is elegant, restrained and complex? Wine that speaks of its place and of the season.
Also a personal, fundamental philosophy guided them both from the start - as grape growers and farmers, they are custodians of this land. Kim & Erica recognise that they must take care of it, restore if needed - soil balance and fertility without synthetic fertilisers and chemicals. They have learnt that the rhythm of the land is immovable, and that they need to work with and respect it to get the best results.
At Loveblock they farm and grow their grapes in accordance with Organic Certification standards *(with the conversion to organics completed back in 2012), Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand principles and low chemical intervention farming.
The grapes for this wine came from the Loveblock Farm in lower Dashwood in Marlborough, from their certified-organic single vineyard called the 'Woolshed'. The organic practices have the effect of decreasing the vigour of their vines, reducing berry size and hence overall yields. The grapes were harvested in late March 2019.
If you tried to walk between the vines of the Woolshed vineyard, you would find it difficult due to the organic foliage with growth and competition from the wildflowers and grasses forcing the vines to struggle and intensify the berry flavours. Once the grapes were deemed ripe, the fruit was machine harvested and membrane pressed immediately (no preservatives were added in the field). The juice was then floated (juice clarification by floatation) and then inoculated. This was followed by cool fermentation with an organic yeast, in order to emphasise the aromatics, and the fermentation was stopped when Kim was happy with the flavour balance. Once finished, the wine was stabilised and bottled in October 2019.
As you pour this wine into your glass, you are greeted by a straw colour with a golden hue. On the nose inviting aromas of green and orange melon, plus pears with infused chamomile and citrus notes. The palate showcases those ripe melon flavours, Nashi pear and infused citrus characters. Which are complemented with an appealing texture and mouthfeel, that is kept fresh and alive on the tongue by natural fruit acidity. The palate is engaging and has a lingering vibrant finish.
This 2019 Loveblock ‘Organic’ Marlborough Pinot Gris has 13% Alc./vol. - made in an off-dry style. Chill gently and serve in an appropriate wine glass at 8°- 9°C.
CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 28/2/2020)
Drinking well this coming season; plus, will develop nicely for another 18 - 24 months.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with peppered calamari, Thai-fish cakes, spring rolls, bbq’d chilli prawns, seafood or vegetarian dumplings, and aged camembert with crackers - enjoy.
