Vergence White

Intense citrus aromas of lemon peel and grapefruit soon give way to perfumed notes reminiscent of jasmine and orange blossom. The palate is unctuous and textured, with a pleasing richness that gives body and weight. Skin contact and ripe phenolics have added additional complexity to this wine, while a crisp and lively acidity ensures it remains well balanced and focused, with a lasting finish.

The vineyard is located within the Waipara Valley of North Canterbury, on free draining, north facing terraces. It benefits from being in the lee of the Teviotdale Range, giving maximum protection from the Pacific’s easterly breezes and thus creating a unique mesoclimate. The soil is free draining and of low fertility, resulting in naturally reduced vine vigour. This produces low yields of optimally ripened, high quality, flavourful grapes, which fully express the qualities of this unique terroir. The vineyard has warm days, but the nights are amongst the coolest in the Waipara Valley, drawing out the ripening period of the grapes, while still retaining good natural acidity.

Our Vergence White is a non-traditional blend of several varieties in which we aim to make the most harmonious wine possible. As the varieties reach optimal drinking at different times, we have decided it would be most beneficial to create a series of non-vintage wines (or “marks”) that allows us to get the very best from each of the components that we are working with. The core of our Vergence White MK1 is ultra-ripe Semillon from Pegasus Bay’s 34 year old vines, aged in old oak puncheons for 18mths. The remainder is comprised of Muscat, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay, in varying proportions. Different fermentation and maturation techniques have been utilised to add balance and complexity, including skin contact and lees aging for some portions.

18 months