Rieslingfreak No.5 Clare Valley Off Dry Riesling 2017

Harvested from the family vineyard, situated in White Hutt, just north of the Clare township. The vineyard in grey clay over limestone with the vines planted in an east/west direction. Planted with clone GM198.

The wine is made in an ‘Off Dry’ style, containing 15g/ltr sugar. The grapes were harvested on the 14th March. Crushed and destemmed, pressed out at 520 ltr/tonne. The juice is then settled for six days, prior to racking and yeasting using QA23. The juice is then fermented at 12-14 degrees Celsius, until the desired sugar/acid balance is achieved.

Rieslingfreak

Based in White Hutt, northern Clare Valley. White Hutt is its own valley. The vineyard is situated between undulating hills, creating its own micro climate. Often a windy valley, which is an advantage, especially when trying to manage disease.

The soli is shale grey soil over limestone, with good drainage.

Harvested early in the season to ensure higher natural acidity is achieved to balance out the sweetness.

Grapes are crushed, placed in a press, where we use a crush and drain method, ensuring the grapes are treated in a gentle manner. Only the free run juice is used, which in 2017 was 505 ltr/tonne. The juice is then settled, racked and involuted using cultured yeast. The wine is fermented at approx 1 baume per day. The wine is then stabilised and filtered, being bottled within 4 months of harvest.

Being a fresh style of Riesling, the wine is released to market after a month in bottle, normally in June of the year of vintage.