Winemakers Collection Nelson 'Sweet Agnes' Riesling 2010 - Cellar Release

’NZ Sweet Wine over £10’ Trophy - Decanter World Wine Awards 201, UK
Gold Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards 201, UK
90 Points - Lisa Pertti-Brown MW, eRoberParler.com #197, October 2011, USA
Pure Silver - Air NZ Wine Awards, 2010

Vineyard: Seifried Brightwater Vineyard
Sugar at Harvest: 38°Brix
Date of Harvest: April 2010
pH of Wine: 3.05
T.A of Wine: 10.9g/
Residual Sugar: 180g/L

The Brightwater vineyard was planted with Riesling in 1999. These vines are grown in an extremely stony area of the vineyard, where water and nutrient levels are low. This helps to restrict plant vigour and crop at low levels. To further enhance the aromatics we removed leaves to allow light penetration and air movement around the fruiting zone.

Using 100% Riesling fruit, the grapes were hand selected at the peak of ripeness with a large
portion of the fruit shriveled and raisined, caused by natural dehydration. The grapes were then gently pressed to release a very concentrated intensely flavoured juice. The sweetness level of the juice was 38° Brix. The fermentation was initiated immediately and continued for about two and a half weeks. During this time, the wine was monitored and tasted regularly. The young wine was then filtered and stabilised before bottling in August 2010. The residual sugar in the wine is 180g/L.