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Una Volta 2020Champ libre
Located in the Marlborough wine region, at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, the Blank Canvas vineyard benefits from a cool, sunny climate, moderated by the maritime influence of the Cook Strait. The vines are planted on well-drained alluvial gravel and silt soils, which promote slow and steady ripening of the grapes. The plots selected for the Una Volta cuvée are cultivated with particular attention to terroir expression, in order to produce a wine of character that is precise and elegant.
This wine reveals notes of black cherry, ripe plum and red berries, enhanced by touches of violet and peony, as well as spicy nuances of black pepper and clove. Delicate woody accents of vanilla and cedar mingle with a subtle mineral dimension. On the palate, the texture is full and silky, supported by fresh acidity, fine and polished tannins, and a long and harmonious finish that retains good tension.
Where are we traveling?
MarlboroughNew Zealand
It is located at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, bordered by the shimmering waters of the Marlborough Sounds to the north and the foothills of the Richmond Ranges to the south. The vineyard extends mainly over the alluvial plains of the Wairau Valley and the higher slopes of the Southern Valleys and Awatere Valley, in a luminous landscape of stony terraces bordered by snow-capped mountains. The viticultural history is surprisingly recent: it all began in 1973, when the Montana winery (now Brancott Estate) planted the first Sauvignon Blanc and Müller-Thurgau vines on land then believed to be too cold for viticulture. The success was immediate, and Cloudy Bay's first vintage in 1985 cemented Marlborough's status as a global phenomenon that single-handedly redefined the style of Sauvignon Blanc. The climate is cool and sunny, benefiting from the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand, tempered by cool nights and dry winds descending from the mountains, preserving a crisp acidity and aromas of striking intensity. Marlborough has established itself as the world capital of Sauvignon Blanc, producing explosive wines with notes of passionfruit, gooseberry, and lime zest, complemented by increasingly respected elegant and fruity Pinot Noirs, fresh and precise Chardonnays, and traditional method sparkling wines that demonstrate a region whose ambition now extends far beyond its founding grape variety.
The little history of the country
New Zealand
Introduced in 1819, vine growing was greatly developed by Jean-Baptiste Pompallier, a French Marist missionary. Sent to Oceania in 1837, he settled there from January 1838 onwards to develop New Zealand's vineyards. The first quality vineyards were established in the Hawke's Bay region in the 19th and early 20th centuries. After setbacks caused first by phylloxera and then by the First World War, the vineyards began to expand again during the Second World War, when their area doubled. Today, New Zealand has 10 main wine regions spread across the North and South Islands, the largest of which is Marlborough. Most of New Zealand's wine regions have a maritime climate. The country's long, narrow shape means that vineyards are never more than 120 km from the coast, and most are much closer than that (with the exception of the semi-continental Central Otago region). A spine of mountains running down the centre of the country shields most of the main wine regions from the strong westerly winds off the Tasman Sea known as the "Roaring Forties". Because of these winds, there are few wine regions on New Zealand's west coast. The quality and reputation of New Zealand wines are well established. Indeed, the country produces some of the best and most renowned Sauvignon Blanc in the world. And it is no coincidence that New Zealand has made Sauvignon Blanc its emblem, just like its sheep, its kiwis and its legendary haka!
All about Una Volta 2020
At what temperature should Una Volta 2020 be served?
Between 16 and 18 °C. An hour in a decanter helps it open up.
How long can Una Volta 2020 be kept?
Ageing potential: 5 to 10 years, until around 2030. Store the bottle lying down, away from light, at around 12 °C.
Which grapes make up Una Volta 2020?
Grapes: 100% Syrah. Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand. Alcohol: 13.5%.