Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2021

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.

History of Terre à Terre

The story of Terre à Terre begins with the union of two illustrious wine legacies: Champagne and Australian fine wine. Xavier Bizot, son of Christian Bizot, the former chairman of Champagne Bollinger, brought with him a profound understanding of vineyard expression and traditional French craftsmanship. Lucy Croser is the daughter of Brian Croser, a pioneer of modern Australian winemaking and founder of Petaluma.

Together, Xavier and Lucy established Terre à Terre in 2004, planting their first vines in Wrattonbully, a rising star within South Australia’s Limestone Coast. From the beginning, their vision was clear: to create wines that honour the precision of Old World viticulture while showcasing the potential of Australian terroirs.

In 2005, they expanded their operation with Clos Terre à Terre, a small vineyard in the Piccadilly Valley within the Adelaide Hills, dedicated to Chardonnay. They later built their own winery at the historic Tiers Vineyard, further cementing their commitment to small-batch, high-quality winemaking. Today, the estate is fully independent, controlling every step from vine to bottle, including export and distribution through their company, Terroir Selections.

Region and Vineyards

Terre à Terre operates two key vineyard sites: Crayères Vineyard in Wrattonbully and Clos Terre à Terre in Piccadilly Valley.

The Crayères Vineyard, named after the chalk cellars of Champagne, is situated atop a limestone ridge and underlain by natural caves. Its Terra Rossa topsoil over porous limestone provides excellent drainage and moisture retention. Planted at high density (4,444 vines/ha), the site is home to Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Cabernet Franc, with vines trained low to benefit from ground heat in the cool Wrattonbully climate.

In contrast, Clos Terre à Terre, perched at 500 meters in the Adelaide Hills, produces elegant Chardonnay. The site's cool temperatures and high humidity allow for extended ripening and a pure expression of fruit and minerality.

Both vineyards are sustainably farmed and managed with precision, drawing on both French and Australian viticultural practices.

Wine Range of Terre à Terre

Terre à Terre’s portfolio is compact yet diverse, focusing on site-specific, age-worthy wines. Their flagship releases include:

• Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz – A structured, fruit-driven blend inspired by the great Australian tradition, with a French sensibility.
• Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Franc – A varietal expression rarely seen in Australia, showcasing herbal finesse and fine tannins.
• Down to Earth Sauvignon Blanc – An expressive white wine crafted with texture in mind, often partially barrel-fermented.
• Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay (Clos Terre à Terre) – A refined Chardonnay grown at altitude in Piccadilly, marked by tension, citrus precision, and subtle oak.

Limited production and a meticulous approach to winemaking ensure that each wine reflects both terroir and vintage character.

Did you know?

Xavier Bizot and Lucy Croser were among the first to recognise Wrattonbully’s potential for premium Cabernet Sauvignon. The Crayères Vineyard is one of the few in the region planted at such high vine density, mimicking the Bordeaux model to enhance canopy management and fruit concentration.