Helio Hawkes Bay Tempranillo Rosé, 2021
Tech Specs:
PH: 3.39
TA: 6.96
Alc: 12.89%
Residual Sugar: <1g/L
Date harvested: 16th March 2019
Bottle closure: natural cork 45mm (twice tested)
Bottles Produced: 1539
Viticulture
Helio Rose is picked from a select block on the Black Barn vineyard looking out at Te Mata peak. Unlike most New Zealand made Rosé our red fruit was never destined to be anything other than our summer go to drink, Rosé. We believe Tempranillo is one of the only red grapes you can make a seriously good and food friendly Rosé from due to it’s plump juiciness, coloufilled tannin rich skins and ability to produce a wide range of desirable aromatics with just a hint of skin contact.
2021
If you could script a perfect season to grow Hawkes Bay Tempranillo, 2021 would be it. A full underground water table was slowly drained over a very dry and long summer, creating the optimal conditions for clean, excellent fruit. The sunshine did the heavy lifting, showcasing Heilo’s full potential.
Winemaking
Champagne press, cool tank fermented then aged in old oak for 6 months.
Following our minimal intervention ethos, the wine entered natural malolactic fermentation on its own accord. We intentionally bottled with no fining and minimal filtration as we didn’t want to remove any of the natural balance created.
A touch of SO2 was added at bottling to protect 24 months of work and ensure maximum enjoyment when opening for many years to come.
Tasting notes Tempranillo 2021
A tangerine sunset in the glass, beautiful to look at as the colour disappears toward the rim. Strawberries, sorbet, raspberry slice and nectarine on the nose match perfectly with a light, very drinkable palate with added depth. Watermelon and mint, textured berry soufflé with a candied pastry note build an extremely food friendly wine, the texture from the berry profile builds and builds to an almost effervescing finish that leaves you wanting more. Immediately.