Derwent Estate Pinot Gris 2021 (Tasmania)

Nestled perfectly on North facing slopes which run down to the Derwent River in Tasmania, the vineyard has a perfect aspect for the production of cool climate wine grapes. Prevailing Westerly winds keep good airflow through the vines and air circulation is critical in keeping the vineyard disease free. At Derwent Estate they do not use any Insecticides or nasty Pesticides at all. They prefer a softer Integrated Pest Management approach to disease control.

From humble beginnings in 1992 of one variety and block, stage 1 of our planting was increased to 4 varieties and over 4.5 hectares by 1997. As Derwent Estate and Grantons reputation grew for producing stunning fruit, keen interest was attracted by several major wine companies for us to grow small parcels of super premium fruit for them. This saw stage 2 of the vineyard development commence in 2003 as a 5.3 hectare planting which supplied grapes for the Bay of Fires Wines and the Penfolds Yattarna label.

Grown on a north-facing bank of the Derwent River the fruit for the 2021 Derwent Estate Pinot Gris wine comes from two blocks from the 27 year-old vineyard. The soils are shallow, permeable loams over limestone that allow this variety to develop intensity and definition while retaining delicacy.

Picked at flavour ripeness, the grapes were in perfect condition on arrival at the winery where they were crushed and cold soaked for 24 hours, then pressed under inert gas. The juice was then fermented at a very low temperature - 70% in stainless steel and 30% barrel fermented to enhance flavour. Once ferment finished the barrel ferment portion was left on lees for four weeks to add complexity and texture. The level of residual sugar classifies this wine as dry.