Framingham, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017

Description

Producer Note

The Framingham label was launched in 1994 with one Riesling, and has since expanded to include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Framingham produces wines from their 19.5
hectare estate vineyard (certified organic since 2014) and other selected sites. Their Riesling vines, planted in 1981, are among the oldest in Marlborough. Andrew Brown joined Framingham as head winemaker in January 2020, replacing Dr Andrew Hedley, who resigned from his role after 18 years at the helm. A highly regarded winemaker, Brown previously spent seven years at Framingham as assistant winemaker and understudy to Andrew Hedley before working as consultant in regions including Oregon, Central Otago and Alsace. Last year, one of Brown’s Rieslings won the Champion Riesling Trophy at the New Zealand International Wine Show; a fitting accolade from someone taking the reins at Framingham, who have always been renowned for their Rieslings.

Vintage

2017 was a relatively difficult vintage in Marlborough. Unprecedented amounts of precipitation through the growing and picking season meant that disease was an ever-present threat. Framingham’s expertise in vineyard management meant that, even under these circumstances, their harvest was a success.

Vineyard

Fruit for the 2017 Sauvignon Blanc was sourced from seven different sites, including the Framingham estate vineyard, in the Conders Bend, Renwick, Dry Hills and Rapaura sub-regions. The
various soil types, including stony old river bed, clay and silty loam, all contribute different elements to the blend.

Winemaking

Each parcel of fruit was kept separate in the winery. Juices were predominately fermented in stainless steel using several different treatments, however 11% of the final wine was fermented in oak
and acacia puncheons and barrels. A small component of 5% was fermented on skins. Around 35% of the blend was aged on full ferment lees for six months, the remainder on light lees.

Tasting Note

Smoky aromatics, with flint, bitter lemon citrus, grapefruit and tropical hints. The palate is rich, slightly chewy, with good mouthfeel, texture and harmony. Flavours of yellow citrus, currant,
papaya and sweet herbs carry through the finish.

Grape

Sauvignon Blanc 100%