2022 La Ferme de Sato Schisteux
Sato, Central Otago, New Zealand
Block 2, where Chenin Blanc is planted in 0.43 ha, has schist rocks or gravels at the most across the vineyard. This is one of the reasons we chose this block for Chenin. We believe schist gives the flavour and taste to the grapes.
- Block 2 at La Ferme de Sato: 0.43 ha, chosen for having the most schist in the vineyard.
- Basket pressed overnight, wild fermented in barrel, then 15 months in French oak, 24% new.
- Hand picked on 20 and 26 April 2022 at 48 hl/ha; 2,717 bottles, unfined and unfiltered.
- Vineyard
- Sato Pisa Vineyard
- Soil
- Alluvial, sandy or silt loam with schist & quartz gravel
- Harvest
- Hand picked, 20 & 26 April 2022. 48 hl/ha
- Vinification
- Pressed with basket press overnight. Natural yeast fermentation in oak barrels No additives except for 20 mg/L sulphites before bottling
- Maturation
- 15 months in French oak barrels. 24% new oak
- Bottled
- 28 August 2023 without fining or filtration. 2717 bottles produced
Tasting Notes
Beeswax, white flowers and green apple on the nose, with a briny, savoury hint. The palate is saline and mineral yet intense, with a fine layer of phenolic grip over a waxy, textural core. Fifteen months in French oak adds depth without weight. Focused and long, with lingering citrus.
Distributed in Australia by Principal Wine.