This white blend was inspired by the wines of Northern Italy but are “strangely” suited to the spicy foods that Steve’s household craves. Three quarters of the blend is Gewürztraminer, which came from Sam Virgara’s Woodside vineyard that was ravaged by the 2019 fires but are now well on their way to full recovery. Sam graciously offered Steve a small portion of his 2021 fruit. The other two grapes, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, were sourced from Echunga and Carey Gully, respectively. The 2021 growing season in the Adelaide Hills was, in a word, joyous. (What a strange contrast to the previous year.) There was absolutely no stress in the vineyard with plenty of water and heat at the right time. An extended ripening period without disease pressure lea to great flavor build-up. The fruit was plentiful and perfectly ripe.
The Gewürtz was picked on February 22nd, 2021 and had completely fermented by the time the other two grapes were brought into the cellar on March 18th. For that reason, the Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc were able to be co-fermented. Fermentation stopped at the desired level of sweetness, 7.5 g/L, by chilling. Both parcels were blended on yeast lees and were left to settle in stainless steel. No adjustments were necessary. Bottling occurred on the 23rd of July 2021, with just a small dose of sulfur.