Astrolabe Wines

Fruit came from the Awatere Valley, Southern Valleys, Kēkerengū Coast and Wairau Valley. Free-draining stony and silty loam includes some clay or limestone. The fruit was machine-harvested in cool evening conditions, destemmed and lightly pressed with minimal skin contact. Clear, cold-settled juice fermented at low temperature in stainless steel with neutral yeasts. Alcohol is 13.5 percent, and bottling took place on June 4.

Pale gold and quietly aromatic, with citrus peel, poached pear and peach joined by a gentle touch of spice. The palate is pure, crisp and dry, layering pear, quince and light stone fruit over fine minerality and delicate structure. Balanced and food-friendly, it suits roast poultry, salmon, creamy mushrooms or a simple pasta.