ALTA
Winemaker Sarah Fletcher, had a very clear vision for Alta from day one. She wanted to showcase South Australia's Adelaide Hills as an outstanding cool climate wine region, selecting specific varieties and handpicking quality fruit. This has allowed her to create fresh, varietal wine styles with depth and obvious regional character.
"My aim is to produce wines from varieties that thrive in the cool climate of the Adelaide Hills, each showing strong varietal character and distinctive regional expression."
Sarah Fletcher, Winemaker
Grapes
100% Sauvignon Blanc
District of origin of grapes
100% Adelaide Hills
The grapes for the 2011 Alta Sauvignon Blanc were sourced from high altitude vineyards across the Adelaide Hills wine region – from Kuitpo through to Kersbrook. Individually each vineyard brings its own varietal and regional defnition to the final blend.
Vinification
Regular vineyard assessments leading up to harvest ensured grapes were picked when the flavours were at their optimal intensity. The grapes were machine harvested during the night and crushed with open rollers in order to minimise phenolic and colour pick up in the juice. The biggest challenge was to ensure that the fresh favours and remarkable structure of the juice was retained throughout the winemaking process. Several yeast strains were used based on their ability to highlight varietal favours and enhance palate structure. Free run and pressings were fermented separately in stainless steel between 12 and 14C. Wines were racked of leesafter the completion of ferment and stored cool in stainless steel tanks prior to blending. Individual parcels selected for the Alta Sauvignon Blanc were chosen for their strong varietal intensity and regional expression.
olour
Bright, pale with green hues.
Aroma
Vibrant aromatics, layered with spicy lemon grass, quince and citrus blossom.
Palate
Clean, refreshing and stylish. Racy acid gives structure and length to the generous fruit driven palate. Strongly varietal with ripe lime, grapefruit and crisp pear.
Food match
Roast chicken, creamy pasta and gruyere cheese.
Winemakers comments
The Adelaide Hills has become reknown for producing stylish Sauvignon Blancs and the 2011 Alta Sauvignon Blanc truly reflects this cool climate wine region. The generous fruit flavours and crisp palate structure will ensure the wine holds it own in any situation. Made to drink now, you will be able to serve this wine with confidence, knowing that it is true to both the varietal and region.- Sarah Fletcher
