Ridgeback Viognier

Ridgeback Viognier

The immaculate vineyards used in this premium niche wine are East-West facing and vertically shoot positioned. The vines are grown in Oakleaf and Clovelly soils and are irrigated according to soil moisture and leaf water potential requirements. A slightly leaner canopy enables good light penetration and effective bunch ripening.

HARVEST:

Grapes were handpicked from 25-31 January 2019 Bunches were picked at full ripeness.

WINEMAKING:

The grapes used in this premium wine were night harvested and destemmed in the early morning without crushing the berries, retaining a whole-berry component to press at about 70%.
The juice was settled overnight at 9 degrees Celsius and the clear juice was then gravity fed to 18% new 400 litre French oak barrels as well as a combination of second and third fill 400 litre French oak barrels.

All barrels underwent natural fermentation for the first 5 degrees balling and were then inoculated with a commercial yeast strain to ensure a clean ferment to dryness.
The wine was matured in barrel for 9 months and batonaged regularly to develop mouthfeel. Mid-palate and wood integration were further enhanced by the use of larger barrels.
A light filtration was done shortly before bottling.

TASTING NOTES:

Intense, upfront notes of citrus blossom, glazed pineapple, white peach and a hint of lavender. A creamy midpalate is well supported by subtle oak spice and lingering ruby grapefruit on the elegant finish.

FOOD PAIRING:
This bold food wine would complement a wide range of spicy dishes which include Indian, Malay and Thai curries.