About

Augustine Pinot Noir Rosé 2020
Central Otago

 Harvest Report

The 2020 growing season started of cooler than normal. This meant early growth in the vineyard was slow. Thank fully this colder start did not result in any major frost events with the district getting through mostly unscathed. This slow start to the season was followed by a wet period throughout November and December that resulted in the Wanaka township experiencing flooding. This coincided with flowering meaning vineyard took longer to flower than is the norm. This protracted flowering means the bunch development was inconsistent with different sized bunched and berries on the same vine. Once the rains had past the weather settled into a warm summer. This meant good ripeness was able to be achieved. Autumn to was dry but a touch cooler so a long late harvest was possible. Again no sign of frosts in the Autumn meant the fruit could be left for longer to get the last of the summer heat. Harvest was later due to the cooler Spring and Autumn but ripeness and quality were very good. Yields were down due to the poor weather at flowering but this meant the vines were in balance for the milder temps. 

100% hand picked Pinot Noir from Gibbston Valley. A portion was completely destemmed and left on skins for 24 hours. The other was crushed and then pressed after only 2 hours. The wine was fermented at cool temps for a long slow fermentation. The wine was stopped when the natural sweetness was in harmony with the freshness that came from the cooler season in the vineyard. These two different portions where then blended to find the perfect balance and colour. The resulting wine has a purity and drive that reflects the season and bright fruits reminiscent of the Gibbston Valley vineyards.

A classic Central Otago Pinot Noir Rosé nose of intense strawberries and cream. Bursting with fruit intensity this Rosé is packed with strawberry, crunchy apricot and ripe stone fruit flavours. A Rosé made for instant enjoyment, the length and fruit weight reflect the quality of fruit used to craft this perfect summer wine. Serve well chilled on a hot summer’s day. This wine is a great match with salmon and lightly spiced dishes.

 From Jody the Winemaker

I was very excited to hear we would be working with Augustine on the inaugural release of their 2020 Rose. Its been such a fun process meeting the Augustine team and showing them a little of what we do down here in Central Otago. We had a fantastic blending session that help to narrow down the options and flavour profile before several more blends where sent north for tasting. We spent a beautiful afternoon at the vineyard soaking up the last of the days sun in a spectacular autumnal setting. I’m really happy with how the wine has come together and I think it reflects both the Augustine brand and the people. Its bright and fresh at first but then hits you with intensity and depth. The colour is playful and light but the flavours are concentrated and balanced. It’s the perfect Rose for long summer days with friends and will make a versatile food pairing.

 Alcohol: 14.4%

Residual Sugar: 7.0g/L

Harvest: 5th and 6^th May 2020