Grape Variety: 100% Malbec

Growing Region: Gisborne, New Zealand

Owners: Kirsten & Richard Searle

TASTING NOTE:
The 'Church House' series of wines allows Kirsten and Richard to showcase what their vines can produce, something a little different and of quality. The grapes for this wine were sourced from Paul Tietjen's Vineyard in the 'Golden Slope' region of Gisborne. The vines were planted in 2009 and grown on Kaiti Clay loam soil, with a great deal of hands on effort on the canopy, with leaf plucking around the fruiting zone and only 2 canes laid down to ensure ideal ripeness, colour and texture in the final wine.

Each vintage at Matawhero the decision when to harvest is only made after the winemaker and viticulturist agree that the grapes are ripe and ready. After one of the very best growing seasons on record in Gisborne, the Malbec berries achieved full ripeness and packed with flavour. The grapes were machine harvested and then fermented in stainless steel tank. The cap was pumped over regularly to extract colour and tannin, the wine was then fermented at dryness before undergoing full malolactic fermentation. After 10 months maturation the wine was then filtered, and bottled.

As you pour the wine, your glass is filled with an almost ink black-red colour with a purple hue. On the nose you have lifted aromatics of black plums, dark berries and herbs. On the palate, with wine is full and fruit driven with ripe plums, blackberries, blueberries and earthy notes. All of these dark berry flavours and all wrapped up in ripe tannins, giving the wine a balanced lingering finish. Serve at 16-18C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this summer season; and over the next 2-3 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine pairing with bbq'd meats, pasta, pizza, tapas and hard cheeses, enjoy.

An exciting, fruit driven red wine for any occasion.