Compared to the drastically low yields of the year prior induced by cool spring temperatures and frost, 2022 was a year of plenty. Getting back to normal production levels has been a relief for many New Zealand producers given the additional context of Covid restrictions and increased production costs. Harvest timing was also about two weeks later than the year prior, given cooler early growing season temperatures. Late season rains made harvest logistics a challenge, but the acid levels remained where you want them for zingy Sauv Blanc. All things considered, there are many positives of 2022 – including the 5,000 additional cases Auntsfield was able to make compared to 2021, which means plenty to go around here in the states.
The fruit was hand-harvested during cool evenings and fermented at low temperatures with cultured yeast in stainless steel tanks. After fermentation, half of the wine underwent an extended period of lees contact, adding texture and length. It rested in the tank for 5 months before being bottled with a slight fining, cross-flow filtration, and dose of sulfur.