A LOCAL winemaker has released the first savagnin chardonnay blend in Australia – possibly even the world.
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Jonathan Hambrook from Stockman’s Ridge Wines bottled the new drop late last month. He said it was an exciting milestone for the Bathurst vineyard.
“Our very popular whites of sauvignon blanc and pinot gris will be joined this year with something quite special,” Mr Hambrook said.
“We have harvested the first of our savagnin and have produced what we believe to be the only savagnin chardonnay blend in Australia and possibly the world.
“The savagnin grape is an exciting variety with loads of potential. It grows really well in cool climates, so Bathurst is the ideal place for it.”
Mr Hambrook said the savagnin grape – not to be confused with sauvignon – was planted using a traditional trellis. Following the harvest, the wine was produced at a facility in Orange from the best 40 per cent of the grapes.
The local winemaker said the palate was full and round with ripe stone fruit and lime.
“The nose is so big. It’s beautiful,” he said. “Savagnin has a very citrus nose and palate.
“We’ve blended it with a wooded chardonnay. We just wanted to soften some of the dominant flavours you get with the savagnin.
“If you think of it like music: the chardonnay adds the beat, or depth, in the background. The savagnin is like lead guitar.”
Mr Hambrook said the 2012 blend received rave reviews when it was launched at the Good Food and Wine Show in Sydney on June 22.
“Our flagship white is the pinot gris and while it was very popular, the savagnin chardonnay was by far the biggest seller across everything we had,” he said.
Mr Hambrook said the history of the savagnin grape was complicated because it was thought to be the Spanish albarino variety when it was first released in Australia.
“A visiting French expert raised questions in 2008 and DNA testing confirmed that the grapes are, in fact, French savagnin,” he said. “Almost all wine in Australia labelled as albarino is savagnin.”
The savagnin chardonnay is available from selected venues, including Rydges Mount Panorama, or online at www.stockmansridge.com.au.
Alternatively, catch the team from Stockman’s Ridge Wines at the Bathurst Farmers Markets at Bathurst Show-ground this Saturday.