The Charm of Marsanne

The challenge of making southern French white wine in New Zealand

This wine is a somewhat unexpected attempt to create a white blend from the Rhone region of southern France in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand.

This is Trinity Hill Gimlet Gravels Marsanne Viognier 2020 .

The grape varieties are 92% Marsanne and 8% Viognier , a blend that is quite rare in NZ.

The brewer is Warren Gibson, who is full of a spirit of adventure. Here is one answer to the question, "What would happen if you tried to recreate a white wine from the south of France in the North Island of New Zealand?"

Cultivation and brewing

The grapes are primarily sourced from the Tin Shed Vineyard in the famous Gimlet Gravels region of Hawke's Bay, which has well-drained gravel soils that give the fruit a concentrated flavor and firm acidity.

In 2020, there was a clear difference in temperature between day and night, and the fall was also dry, so the fruit was ideally ripened while maintaining its acidity . The Marsanne was hand-picked at the end of March and the Viognier in early April.

The brewing process is meticulous. The whole bunches are gently pressed, left to rest overnight in tanks, and then fermented in small French oak barrels . No malolactic fermentation (MLF) is performed, and the wine is aged on the lees for 17 months . It is a natural and luxurious wine that is neither clarified nor filtered.

Tasting

When poured into a glass, it releases complex aromas of quince, marmalade, dried herbs, and flint . When you put it in your mouth, you can feel the thick body and structure of Marsanne.

On the other hand, the exotic gaiety of apricot and jasmine added by Viognier gives the whole wine a three-dimensional finish. The acidity is moderate (3/5), and the dryness is strong (5/5). The 14% alcohol content further extends the rich aftertaste.

There are probably very few people who would drink this and say it's a New Zealand wine. It really does feel like the south of France.

Moreover, rather than being heavy, I would say it is a sophisticated white wine with a southern French flavor in terms of aroma, texture, and taste.

Pairing

Another great thing about this wine is that it can be paired with a wide range of dishes .

The perfect balance of fruit richness and acidity makes it a perfect match for both delicate ingredients like seafood and savory ingredients like chicken.

for example…

• Sauteed shrimp and turnip in butter
• Sea bream aquapazza
• Chicken breast steamed with salt koji and butter
• Herb roasted chicken thighs and tomatoes

All of these wines bring out the best in you. Please enjoy the combination of Southern French style and New Zealand terroir with your meal.

About the Winery "Trinity Hill"

Trinity Hill is a winery in Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand. It is a pioneer in the region, having been the first to discover the potential of the Gimlet Gravels, a former riverbed with gravel soil. They specialize in Bordeaux blends and Syrah.

About Hawke's Bay

Hawke's Bay is located in the eastern part of the North Island and is characterized by abundant sunshine and a relatively warm climate, and boasts the second largest grape-growing area in Australia.

Hawke's Bay specializes in producing red wines, particularly those made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Syrah, while fruity Chardonnay is a popular white wine.

The Gimlet Gravels, an area created when what was originally a riverbed was pushed up by an earthquake, is one of Hawke's Bay's important sub-regions.

Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2022

item	Content
Winery Name	Trinity Hill
Country of Origin	new zealand
Origin	Hawke's Bay Gimlet Gravels
kinds	white
Grape variety	92% Marsanne, 8% Viognier
Vintage	2020
Alcohol content	14.0%
capacity	750ml
remarks	Screw Cap