Blanc de Blancs 2022

2022 was characterized as an early vintage. Low rainfall during winter was followed by hot, dry conditions in the summer. The dry, warm weather helped keep the vineyard disease free and produced grapes with good concentration of fruit. The vintage took place earlier than average years, with the vines producing fruit in excellent health and with good phenolic maturity.

Mount Lebanon, Lebanon

The vines are planted at an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level, where the warm days are tempered by cooler nights. The summer diurnal temperature difference is 20°C, which encourages an extended ripening period, concentrating the flavors and aromatic complexity in the berries, while retaining balancing acidity from the cooler nights. The soil is calcareous clay which is a cool soil that has good water retention properties to nourish the vines during the hot, dry summers. Due to its pH, calcareous clay soils tend to produce refreshing wines, which encourages further balance to the ripeness of fruit. The vines are cane pruned and are planted at a density of 4,000 vines per hectare. The vineyard is cultivated with respect for the environment and the grapes are manually harvested at optimal maturity.

The grapes were gently pressed and the pure must was racked and cool fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures of 14 to 16°C with selected yeasts. The wine did not go through malolactic fermentation, to retain the desired crisp and fresh style. It was vinified without the influence of oak to retain the purity of fruit. The wine was carefully blended with the Ugni Blanc imparting characteristic acidity and freshness, Clairette adding green apple and fresh citrus notes and the Sauvignon Blanc offering crisp vivacity to the richness of the unctuous Chardonnay. The wine was gently filtered prior to bottling.

A mouthwatering wine with refreshing flavours of ripe yellow fruits and subtle floral overtones. Beautifully balanced on the palate with a soft, fruity finish.

Ugni Blanc 60%, Clairette 20%, Sauvignon Blanc 12%, Chardonnay 8%