Alluviale
New Zealander Kate Galloway and her husband David Ramonteu, whose family own Domaine Cauhape in Jurançon, are the force behind Alluviale. Kate is the head winemaker at Alpha Domus, whilst David graduated from Bordeaux with a masters degree in oenology, and consulted around the world before they took over Alluviale. Although the label is relatively new it has established a cult following in New Zealand. The wines are refreshingly different to the mainstream, drawing inspiration from Bordeaux and managing to be intense yet elegant. The whites come from the sub-region of Mangatahi, where the nearby mountains and extra altitude provide a longer, cooler growing season. Alluviale red is produced from vineyards planted on gravel soils within the warmer Gimblett Gravels appellation. The Alluviale Blanc is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, of which part is barrel fermented. The wines are then aged on the lees for 8 to 12 months, again with a proportion in barrel, giving a gentle seasoning of oak. The end result is a distinctive white, with depth and complexity, subtle grapefruit and tropical fruit and a smoky oak note. The 2008 Alluviale Rouge is their best yet. It is predominantly Merlot and the rest being made up of roughly equal proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The Tardif is a late harvest Sauvignon Blanc with 65g/L residual sugar and excellent balance.
Producer’s Website: http://www.alluviale.com (opens in new window)
Currently available:
2008 Alluviale Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon)
"Impressive, Graves-style Sauvignon Blanc (with 6% Semillon) that was partially barrel-fermented and aged on its lees. Smoky and mineral with piercing greengage, lime and nettle fruit, a textured mid-palate (thanks to ageing on the lees), a subtle underpinning of oak and a steely finish." 91/100 www.thewinegang.com
2009 Alluviale Blanc
2008 Alluviale Red
2010 Tardif
