Los Hermanos 2010 Tributo

Fruit

Grown for us under contract at the Symphonia vineyard in the King Valley Victoria with a small portion coming from our home vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula.

Harvest

Harvest dates and fruit analysis were as follows:

King Valley Portion: 11th March 2010, Be 12.15, pH 3.40, TA 6.73g/l
Mornington Peninsula Portion: 4th March 2010, Be 12.45, pH 3.45, TA 7.28g/l

Winemaking

The grapes were hand harvested and transported immediately to the winery for whole bunch pressing in an airbag press. Low extraction rates were adhered to in an effort to minimise unwanted phenolics. After settling, without the use of enzymes, a rough racking of the semi clear juice to a combination of old white barrels and stainless steel tank was completed. The ferment was rigorously temperature monitored for its entirety to ensure the retention of the variety's seemingly delicate aromatics. After ferment was complete the portion in oak (50% approx) was treated to weekly battonage (stirring) before being blended back to the tank portion after a total of 10 weeks. The wine was then prepared for bottling.

Bottling

Late August 2010. Sealed under screw cap.

Technical Information

Alc. Vol : 13%
Residual sugar : 0.45 gms. per litre [dry]
Ph : 3.30
Total acidity : 6.74gms. per litre

Personal tasting notes by Rollo Crittenden

Without the benefit of a current benchmark we are unable to indicate whether our version is representative of the varietal characters of Savagnin. We can, however, confirm that the wine is a truly enjoyable drink showing lifted aromatics of peaches, lemon zest and a slight floral hint. These traits continue through the palate with characters of green apple, nashi pears and a crunchy dry finish with fresh zingy acidity. The accompaniment of fresh prawns or pan seared scallops will certainly provide greater enjoyment.  

Cellaring

Due to the gloabl lack of knowledge surrounding this style of Savagnin we are unable to offer any educated advice on the ageability of this wine. We will, however, point out that it is drinking so well in its youth that you will be lucky to resist temptation and keep the wine for more than a day or so after purchase!

Note:

As you may be aware much confusion has surrounded the origin and naming of this variety in Australia. Basically, through an error during the importation of planting material from Spain, what Australian vignerons thought to be Albarino has since been identified as a little known variety called Savagnin (not to be confused with Sauvignon Blanc). None the less, we at Crittenden believe that this variety is one of the most exciting additions to Australia's wine scene in decades and are committed to its establishment and success. We also feel the lifted aromatics, vibrant acidity and crisp crunchy palate of this variety are so reminiscent of some of the great whites of the Galicia region in Spain that we have decided to call our version Tributo.