Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Semillon 2018

This is a unique expression of a traditional white Bordeaux blend using approximately 70% Sauvignon Blanc & 30% Semillon. It is pale lemon in colour, with intriguing aromas of passionfruit, melon, orange peel and citrus blossom, coupled with a flinty minerality. The Semillon component helps fill out the palate, adding fruit weight, richness, and age-ability, while also acting to restrain the exuberance of the Sauvignon Blanc. Lees contact has added texture and body, yet the wine remains focussed, with a crisp refreshing acidity .

Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Semillon 2018

Free draining stony soil

Pegasus Bay is an accredited member of the NZWG sustainable viticulture programme and firmly believe in the principles of using natural methods to counteract pests and diseases, rather than the application of unnecessary pesticides and herbicides. A deep respect for the land with a long term view towards vine and soil health typifies the Donaldson Family’s approach to grape growing. Pegasus Bay is a proud supporter of the Greening Waipara Valley project.

This is a unique expression of a traditional white Bordeaux blend using approximately 70% Sauvignon Blanc & 30% Semillon. Both varieties were picked in stages, timing each harvest to optimise the grapes’ range of natural flavours. These varieties were fermented separately, most of the Sauvignon in stainless steel to retain the pure fruit character (with approx. one third on skins) and all the Semillon in oak puncheons to add texture. A small percentage of the Sauvignon Blanc was also matured in new French barrels to give extra length and complexity. Both varieties were aged on their natural deposits of yeast lees (sur lie) for approximately 10 mths, prior to blending. Once bottled, the wine was left to age for another year before release, allowing it to integrate further.

Semillon aged in French oak puncheons on lees for 10 months Sauvignon Blanc aged in stainless steel tank on lees 10 months