2023 Ovitelli Blanc

2023 VINTAGE SUMMARY

The growing season began with significantly higher than average rainfall. The cool, wet conditions continued through Spring, setting us up for balanced canopies and lower yields. La Niña weather patterns forecasted cooler temperatures and continued rainfall for harvest. We were able to enhance vineyard practices such as shoot thinning and leaf removal to promote airflow, reduce mildew and increase sun exposure to bunches. From our experience, a cold vintage in a warm region can produce some of the best wines. Due to the cultural practices implemented, we were able to pick the majority of the vineyard in a three-week window prior to Easter, completed in early April. Wines produced from this vintage will be some of the prettiest and most delicate from the Estate.

WINEMAKING

55% Grenache Blanc, 17% Grenache Gris, 17% Roussanne, 7% Clairette and 4% Bourboulenc. All varieties hand-picked and sorted separately. Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris and Roussanne picked on the 26th of March and Clairette and Bourboulenc on the 18th of April. Portions of the Grenache Blanc and Roussanne destemmed and crushed to ceramic egg and macerated on skins for an extended period, averaging 7 months. 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. No sulphur is added until the completion of fermentation or the extended skin contact portions are removed from skins. Matured in ceramic after blending for a further 4 months. 47% of the final blend was skin contacted. Bottled March 2024. Certified Organic/Biodynamic.