TERRA SANCTA ESTATE LOLA'S BLOCK PINOT GRIS 2022

From Lola's Block, a tiny block of Pinot Gris grown amongst some of the very best Pinot Noir vines in New Zealand - on Terra Sancta Estate on Felton Road, Bannockburn. This is a Pinot Gris crafted with exacting standards and a “hands off” approach, using natural fermentation in neutral oak puncheons, in order to best express the qualities of the place from which it is from. Very food friendly due to its concentration, texture and complexity.

Situated between Pinot Noir grown on Jackson's Block and Felton Road’s famous Block 5, Lola’s Block is a very rare example of prime Felton Road soils being used for the Gris version of the closely related Pinot family. As they age these vines are delivering outstanding Pinot Gris. Lola’s Block soils were formed by the erosion of the Carrick Range to the south of the vineyard. Schist gravels form the base of the soil profile, with sandy wind blown accumulations accounting for the top 50cm. This top layer contains clay and quartz giving the fruit great concentration, while the underlying schist gravels are reflected in its distinctive citrus lines and minerality

Lola’s Block was hand-picked and given a short period of skin contact to intensify the beautiful varietal character of this block. Naturally fermented in neutral French oak puncheons, it was aged for 13 months on lees in the same puncheons and regularly stirred, contributing to its texture and flavour development. Bottled at Terra Sancta in July 2021.