Rabbit Island Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Vineyard: Seifried Brightwater and Rabbit Island vineyards
Sugar at Harvest: 21.5°Brix
Date of Harvest: Mid March 2021
pH of Wine: 3.26
T.A of Wine: 7.7g/L
Residual Sugar of Wine: 3g/L
Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans: Yes

The Brightwater vines are grown in an extremely stony area of the vineyard where water and nutrient levels are low. This helps us to restrict plant vigour and to crop at low levels. Our Brightwater vineyard is situated 15 km from the coast and is sheltered from the south by the Richmond ranges. The ‘soil’ is a combination of rocks and boulders which is very hard on farm equipment but vital for holding the warmth of Nelson’s sun and for ripening the Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

Our Rabbit Island vineyard is situated on a wide river flat. The soil is gravelly sandy loam, which is very free-draining. These vineyards are about 1.5 km from the sea, which helps moderate temperatures.

2021 was another cracker vintage in Nelson, although yields are devastatingly light due to spring frost, unsettled flowering weather and Boxing Day hail.

In the vineyards, leaves were removed from around the fruiting zone to allow light penetration and air movement around the ripening bunches. Parcels of fruit were picked when flavours, sugars and grape acids were nicely in balance, giving fruit with intensely varietal flavours and a fresh, lasting acidity.