The Optimist

TASTING NOTES: L'Apéritif Riesling 2006

Brix: 28°
Alcohol: 9.5%
Wine Acidity: 7.13g/l
pH: 3.09
Residual Sugar: 90g/l

Vintage and Vineyard notes: The 2005 spring and early summer showed higher than average heat degree days with out the typical winds that Martinborough generally receives during November and December months. Subsequently the vines phenological development was four weeks advanced in comparison to the average previous five years. As the months of summer progressed the average temperatures started to drop, this started to retard the phenological ripeness of the fruit and essentially brought the fruit back to two weeks early compared to a normal year of Harvest. This cooler finish to the season protected the lifted aromatics of all the varieties both Red and white.

Winemaking: All winemaking decisions were based on the preservation of fruit integrity while under the influence of the Botrytis Cinera infection (Noble Rot). The wine was styled from the Bordeaux Sauterne region while using a grape variety Riesling which is not from this area. Basic winemaking techniques were used, and wine was bottled as soon as possible to protect the varietal flavours.

Wine notes:
Nose – A fruit bomb on the nose of limes, pears and pineapples with a hint of Marmalade.

Palate – The palate bursts with freshness and pristine fruit expression in the form of perfect balance. This is a sweet style that tastes dry. As the name suggests use this wine as a great start to a meal. Enjoy now or cellar for 2 years.

Alana Estate Limited
Puruatanga Road
PO Box 162
Martinborough
New Zealand

tel: 64 6 306 9784
fax: 64 6 306 9789
email: wine@alana.co.nz
Wine and Food Experience - Alana Estate - Martinborough NZ New Zealand producer of premium quality wines