Vintage 2012 kicks off for Brancott Estate

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc predicted to have vibrant and racy flavours

Flavour and colour characteristics are the expected winners for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, as vintage 2012 is set to kick off for Brancott Estate wines.

While the cool, wet conditions during flowering and fruitset will lead to a lighter vintage, these crops typically deliver more concentrated and flavoursome wines.

Patrick Materman, chief winemaker for Brancott Estate says the cool season should mean that the characteristically racy and vibrant flavours that we associate with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are in abundance.

“We should see an improved balance between supply and demand as yields are likely to be lower than in previous years due to the cool, wet weather we experienced over flowering,” he says.

“We have enough fruit secured to cover all our winemaking requirements and we’re getting set for the vintage grapes to come in. Generally lighter crops lead to a more concentrated and flavoursome wine and increased palate weight.”

In Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc harvest will run through to the end of April and into May for dessert wines.