Gamay, 2020

A young Gamay with aromas of raspberry, blueberries and herbal notes. Refreshing acidity, bright fruit flavours and savoury complexity. Serve chilled or at room temperature, this is designed to drink now.

Meet the maker: Mount Edward

Region: Bannockburn, Central Otago – New Zealand

Grape(s): Gamay (100%)

12% ABV / 750ml / Vegetarian / Vegan / Organic / Biodynamic

Viticulture:

Mount Edward uses natural yeasts and minimal intervention at all stages to produce wines which reflect the vintage from which they came.

The Central Otago climate and soils are unique with the parent rock being glacially derived schist. Most of the soils having been cultivated only a few times in the 100 years before the viticulturists arrived, and some not at all.

The growing season is warm and dry with cool nights. It is a short season though, with a risk of frost early and late and they actively restrict crop levels managing the vine canopy to achieve balance and uniform ripeness regardless of variety.

Winemaking:

Mount Edward aims to produce wines that reflect site and season, wines that have a sense of place and individuality. Their style is one of balance, elegance, supple structure and fine texture.

To achieve this they believe winemaking should be restrained, organic, and use minimal intervention. Grapes are sorted by hand, either in the vineyard or at the winery. A variety of winemaking techniques, from the use of natural yeasts to whole bunch fermentation to extended barrel maturation are used.

They rarely fine or filter, instead looking for wines that have natural balance. No sulphites have been added, opting for it to be made as naturally as possible.