2021 'Perceval' Pinot Noir

DESCRIPTION

The 2021 ‘Perceval’ is crafted from selected parcels from of our Pinot Noir grapes from 22 year old vines (clones 114 and 115) from our 55-hectare single-estate vineyard to produce a classic medium bodied, cool-continental climate Pinot Noir. The wine has been unfiltered and unfined to protect phenolic flavours and aromas.

Perceval takes its name from the 12th century legend, Le Conte du Graal, written by Chrétien de Troyes, whilst at the court of Marie of Champagne. In the story the young Knight Perceval seeks the Fisher King. On his quest, he comes across a ‘Damsel in Distress’ (Blanchefleur) whose castle (Chateau Beaurepaire) is under siege. After meeting Blanchefleur, he falls in love with her, becomes her champion and lifts the siege. The story of Blanchefleur and Perceval was the first medieval romance and first written account of the quest for the Holy Grail – a name often ascribed to the drive to produce a great Pinot!

TERROIR

The de Beaurepaire family’s estate is in the valley above Rylstone in the Central Ranges (GI) of NSW. The vineyard is located on an ancient coral reef located just off the shore of Gondwana (450MYO) which formed a band of limestone (Coomber Formation) running north/south that appears in valleys where the younger Rylstone volcanic rock has been eroded away. 55 hectares of vines were planted in 1998. The vineyard is 150km inland and 580-650m altitude with a North-East aspect. Soil structure is shallow (<1m) sandy-loam mixed with limestone; the temperature range is as cool as Tasmania and Central Otago through the growing season; and the climate is inland/continental (large day/night variation) creating a terroir similar to Burgundy (the ancestral home of the de Beaurepaire family for nearly 1,000 years). The temperature range is very similar to Burgundy – during the growing season (October-April), our low/high/average of 11.9 / 21.7 / 16.9 degrees Celsius vs Beaune (Burgundy) low/high/average of 11.9 / 23.3 /17.6 degrees Celsius.

VINIFICATION

Coming soon.  Not fined. Not filtered. Vegan friendly.

Analysis: pH 3.57, TA 6.1g/l, RS 1.4g/l, VA 0.6g/l

AGING

coming soon. 12 months in French oak (30% new)

TASTING NOTES

Coming soon. The palate is rich cherry; medium bodied with soft, silky tannins and great structure. Aromas of rhubarb, raspberry & strawberry, with hints of earthy characters, and vanilla from French oak

VIN ET GASTRONOMIE

This wine is well suited to salmon and other fatty fishes (Sardines, Mackerel, Herring and Trout), roast chicken and other white meats, lamb roast / casseroles and of course, boeuf bourguignon.

WINE TIPS

Cellaring Potential: 15 to 20 years (2036 to 2041)

Serving Temperature: 14 to 16 degrees C / 57 to 61 degrees F

VARIETAL MIX: 100% Pinot Noir

ALCOHOL: 14.5%

GI: Central Ranges (Rylstone), NSW, Australia