GIANT STEPS YARRA CHARDONNAY 2021

Appellation: Yarra Valley
Vineyards: Sexton, Tarraford, Applejack, Primavera and Wombat Creek Vineyards
Varietals: 100% Chardonnay
Harvested: February - March, 2021
Bottled: October, 2021
Alc/Vol (%): 12.5
TA (g/L): 6.30
pH: 3.15
Cellaring: Now – 6 years

SEASON:
2021 was a terrific vintage for both vineyard quality and quantity.
We had a wet spring followed by a healthy amount of sunshine and some well timed rain in January, leading to large green healthy canopies.
The overall temperature during the growing season was lower than average which led to a long slow ripening period and great concentration of flavours and natural acidity.

VINIFICATION:
All Giant Steps fruit is 100% hand-picked.
The Chardonnay grapes are chilled overnight and whole bunch pressed lightly into 500L French oak puncheons, 15% new, 85% old.
The juice then ferments on full solids with wild yeasts.
10% of the barrels went through a spontaneous malolactic fermentation.
The wine stayed in barrel until October when it was racked, chilled and bottled.

FOOD:
Fish tacos with coriander, chilli and avocado salsa.
Grilled eggplant with tomato relish.
Salad with grilled goats cheese on croutons.
Roast crispy skin chicken, preserved lemon and roast garlic.