Hans Herzog Grandezza 2019

Tasting Note: On the nose it’s remarkably complex with notes of Cassis-black current and red cherries that merge with sweet herbs and hints of spices. There is a mist of cedar-smokiness and delicate sensations of white pepper. Amazing complexity, depth and balance. Structured, seamless, pure and perfectly integrated for a crescendo of power sustained by exceptional freshness that gives the wine length, elegance and persistence of flavours.

Winemaking Notes: “Perfectly healthy, destemmed grapes allowed for a long cold soak to extract the superb flavours, beneficial antioxidants and nutrients from the skins to be available for the yeast to use. The period of cold soaking also allows indigenous yeast to grow and start the fermentation without a lot of temperature. A long cool wild yeast fermentation was followed by a post maceration period with emphasis to preserving aromas, extracting colour and encouraging desirable tannins that are supple and elegant. After gentle pressing the young wines were transferred into French Barriques for a natural malolactic fermentation, accentuating aromatic finesse and complexity. After an initial period in barrel for 18 months the final blend was made before completing barrel aging. The minimal oxygen exchange over a long 24 months of total maturation on the fine lees softened and smoothed tannin and acidity without too much wood tannin extraction. The wines and wood married together to form a richer, more complex and textured wine, able to age for many years in the bottle. No cost spared, the blend underwent an additional nine month of bottle ageing. No fining. No filtration. Minimum effective SO2.” – Hans Herzog

Certification: Organic

Alcohol: 13.5%

Variety: Saperavi

Region: Marlborough, New Zealand