Region and Vineyards
The Crayères Vineyard is located in the Wrattonbully wine region, an emerging area on South Australia's Limestone Coast known for its limestone-rich soils and cool climate, perfect for growing Sauvignon Blanc. The vineyard itself is perched on a north-south limestone ridge, which offers both exceptional drainage and access to deep reserves of moisture, allowing the vines to thrive even in challenging vintages. This vineyard is named after the chalk cellars (Crayères) found in Champagne, reflecting the French roots of Xavier Bizot, co-owner of Terre à Terre.
The vineyard benefits from Terra Rossa top-soil, a red clay-loam that is characteristic of the region, fostering excellent nutrient uptake and adding depth to the resulting wines. The vines, planted in 2004, are densely spaced (4,444 vines per hectare), a higher-than-average planting density for the area. This higher density encourages better canopy management and fruit exposure, contributing to the refined and structured nature of this wine. The Crayères Vineyard’s low fruiting wire, set only 50 cm above the ground, helps concentrate ripeness in this cool-climate region.
Winemaking
The Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is the thirteenth release from this renowned site. The fruit was hand-harvested ensuring optimal freshness and vibrancy. After harvest, the grapes were whole bunch pressed, a gentle method to extract juice without imparting excessive bitterness or tannin from the skins.
The must was then fermented in large, old oak demi-muids (600-liter barrels), which lend subtle oak influence while preserving the pure expression of the fruit. The use of old oak allows for a nuanced texture and complexity without overpowering the varietal characteristics of the Sauvignon Blanc. The slow fermentation in these large barrels further develops the wine’s depth, creating a unique expression of this grape. This vintage is marked by cooler-than-average post-veraison temperatures, which allowed for slow, even ripening, resulting in concentrated flavors and fresh acidity.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Pale straw with greenish highlights, brilliant and clear.
- Aroma: A complex bouquet of citrus fruits such as lemon and lime, alongside stone fruits like white peach, intermingled with subtle notes of fresh herbs, chalky minerality, and a touch of vanilla from the oak.
- Palate: The wine is vibrant and refreshing, showcasing a balance of crisp acidity and ripe stone fruit flavors. There are hints of lemongrass, grapefruit, and green apple, along with an underlying mineral texture from the vineyard's limestone soils. The oak aging adds a delicate creaminess to the mid-palate, while the finish is long, with a lingering saline and citrus zest character.
Did you know?
The Crayères Vineyard gets its name from the famous Champagne region, where the term refers to deep chalk cellars used for aging wine. This vineyard’s rich limestone soils echo the terroir of Champagne, contributing to the unique mineral-driven style of the Sauvignon Blanc produced here. Xavier Bizot, the co-owner, is the son of Jean-Michel Bizot, who played a key role in the history of Champagne Bollinger.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Goat Cheese Tart: The fresh acidity and citrus flavors of the wine enhance the tangy, creamy character of the cheese, making for a harmonious pairing.
- Grilled Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce: The wine’s crisp acidity and subtle oak notes balance the richness of the sauce while complementing the green, vegetal flavors of the asparagus.
- Sea Bass with Lemon and Herbs: The wine’s citrus and mineral profile perfectly matches the delicate flavors of the fish, while the herbal notes in both the wine and dish create a complementary flavor synergy.
- Oysters with a Shallot Vinaigrette: The saline minerality of the wine mirrors the briny character of the oysters, while its acidity cuts through the richness, cleansing the palate.
