The inspiration for the Terra Felix Pinot Gris came from a visit to the famous French Region of Alsace. In particular, one standout Producer named Trimbach. To find grapes that were suitable for the Gris style I chose the Strathbogie Ranges in Central Victoria. High up on the Great Dividing Range with cool nights and moderately warm days provide the conditions necessary for full ripeness and high acidity.
Winemaking was uncomplicated requiring preservation of natural fruit flavours. Cool night picking, long slow fermentation at very low temperatures using an aromatic yeast to deliver everything in terms of fruit expression, sweetness, and structural acidity.
Attractive gold colour with salmon tints. The aroma displays a rich bouquet of typical varietal Pinot Gris flavours of peaches, pears, honey and almonds. The palate has great mineral structure with that hallmark Alsatian sweetness and acidic combination. The crisp acid and lingering sweetness adds a level of complexity that is interesting and delightful. It is an ideal wine to be served as an aperitif or is a perfect match with seafood.
Pinot Gris is thought to be a mutant clone of Pinot Noir. It normally has a greyish/blue skin, hence the name in French, Gris, meaning grey. The Gris styles from the French region of Alsace are high in alcohol, have a textural mouthfeel and are ripe in flavour countered by high acidity, hence the common reference to being both sweet and acidic at the same time. They are a style that rightly takes their place among the best white wines in the world.
Don't Pay: $19
WBW Rating: 91/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: Central Victoria
Winemaker: Terry Barnett
Drink now until: 2012
Alc/Vol: 13 %
