Pioneers and renewal
Millton
Te Arai · Manutuke · Gisborne
- Organic farming they initially dared not mention: After their European experiences, James and Annie Millton chose to move away from systematic treatments in the family vineyard, but initially kept their organic approach quiet for fear of deterring customers. « Te Arai Chenin Blanc » 2020 bears BioGro and Demeter certifications, respectively organic and biodynamic.
- Four picking passes for chenin: For « Te Arai Chenin Blanc » 2020, four harvest passes preceded fermentation and ageing in stainless-steel tanks and demi-muids, large 600-litre casks. The choice aims to let the delicate fruit aromas express themselves without intrusive oak tannins.
- Light sweetness, mouth-watering acidity: « Te Arai Chenin Blanc » 2020: mango, lime and green apple, with mouth-watering acidity softened by slight sweetness. The 8 g/L of residual sugar accompanies rather than erases the freshness.