Vintage Notes

We had a very favourable growing season, with good winter rains and a mild flowering and fruit set period. Continued spring rainfall ensured a healthy canopy. The yields were pleasing and showed good balance between vine vigour and moderate berry size. The ripening period that began late January was very cool, with some welcome rainfall in mid-February. This delayed harvest, and with the cold nights and mild sunny days we were very pleased with fruit ripeness and intensity. The freshness and bright natural acidity of the fruit were a real feature.

Winemakers Comments

Inspired by the textural white wines of the Southern Rhône, Ovitelli Blanc brings these traditional varieties together in blended harmony. Gently fermented and aged with skin contact in large ceramic eggs.

Vinification

73% Grenache Blanc, 27% Roussanne. The majority of the blocks were handpicked on the 28th of March, with a small parcel of Roussanne included in the blend that was picked earlier on the 11th of March. Portions of the Grenache Blanc and Roussanne are macerated on skins for an extended period, between 112 and 121 days. The remaining batches were whole bunch basket pressed, and only the very lightest pressings are kept separate to be considered for the final blend. These are un-fined, unsettled and fermented exclusively in ceramic eggs. No sulphur is added until the completion of fermentation or the extended skin contact portions are removed from skins. 43% of the final blend was skin contacted.

Grape Variety

Grenache Blanc, Roussanne