 |
This week is the inaugural 'Organic Wine' week and to celebrate we are featuring the wines of Churton - one of the best producers in Marlborough. We have the wines open to taste in store, and explore what makes an Organic wine, plus a look at Sustainability and Biodynamics and some of the secrets behind the unique concentration of the Churton wines. The full range is on special too, so drop to taste - prices are better than cellar door for this week only! Two Sauvignon Blancs - Viognier - Pinot Noir - unique Petit Manseng sweet wine. |
 |
So what exactly is "Organic" ? Roughly 90% of vineyards in NZ are 'Sustainable' - that is they have plans to manage erosion risks, soil quality, weed and pest control and more. Organic is a strict certification that goes many steps further- no synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, with a major focus on healthy vines through healthy soils. Around 6% of vineyards by area in New Zealand are Certified Organic. |
 |
Churton & The Weavers Sam and Mandy Weaver discovered and fell in love with the Marlborough region in 1988 on a working holiday from the UK. They bought what was to become the vineyard in 1992, planting vines five years later. While the vineyard has always pursued Organic principles, they became formally certified in 2011. |
 |
The single 22 hectare vineyard is divided into 17 individual blocks, each with distinct character. With names like 'Brisket, Flank, Topside, and Rump' it's clear that the Weavers have a sense of humour too.
|
 |
Sauvignon Blanc - Tasting Today Today we've opened up the most famous of the Churton wines - Sauvignon Blanc. This is not exactly the stereotype of Marlborough Sav- fully hand picked, hand sorted, gently whole-bunch pressed, with 15% fermented in larger 500 litre French oak barrels. Alluring aromas of white peach, green papaya, and passionfruit. Impressively weighty and concentrated for a Sauvignon, on the palate with flavours of grapefruit, preserved lemon, savoury herbs and a mouth filling minerality driving a long finish. Outstanding example. |
|
