Innovation and differentiation the key to new Patina Wines
Patina wines, from the cool Orange winegrowing region of NSW, has recently released two new wines; the 2008 Patina Pinot Gris and the innovative, experimental 2009 Patina Sticky Tea Riesling.
"The 2009 Sticky Tea is effectively a happy accident," commented owner and winemaker, Gerald Naef. "I have a great enthusiasm for Riesling as it is one of the most diverse varieties in the world. It is perfectly suited to the Orange terroir, with the soil, intense sunshine and cool to cold climate."
"The grapes are basket pressed and subsequently, each vintage, I am frustrated at tipping out Riesling pressings, knowing that there is still up to 25 percent juice left due to the stingy nature of the variety. This year, I decided to experiment with the variety and add yeast to the pressed skins, not sure of the outcome."
With Australian winemaking attracting criticism recently for its lack of innovation and differentiation, the new Patina wine offers solace.
"This regional, innovative expression of Riesling is a light aperitif or dessert style with mouth watering lemon and green tea flavours."
"Grape derived tannins in white wines, especially Riesling, are often avoided by winemakers, however it is the tannins in our Sticky Tea that form the backbone in this alluring wine, giving it a refreshing, complex, iced tea appeal. This is certainly a style that we'll continue to make in future years."
Pinot Gris is a relatively new variety to the Orange region, however it is eminently suited to the region's soil and cool climate. There is speculation that the increased levels of UV radiation resulting from Orange's high elevation contributed to the intensity of flavour and the resultant finesse of the region's grapes.
"We aim to produce a Pinot Gris that shows fresh fruit flavours and mouth-filling characteristics, leaning toward creaminess in the mid-palate, and a long tapering dry finish," commented Gerald. "We subsequently fermented and aged our Pinot Gris on lees for eight months in stainless steel in order to obtain this desired fruit and textural balance."
"It's an exciting time in Orange," added Gerald. "The region is beginning to show its true potential and is attracting more winemakers and investment.
The vineyards are getting to an age where they are expressing excellent flavours and balance. It's fantastic to be part of a new and emerging region, with great wines, energy and boundless potential."
Pricing & distribution: The Patina wines are available in Sydney, Queensland, Canberra as well as nationally, direct from the winery at www.patinawines.com.au
2009 Patina Orange Region Sticky Tea Riesling $22.00 (375ml)
2008 Patina Orange Region Pinot Gris $22.00
For further information, samples or images please contact:
David Cumming at Define Wine on: 0414 736 342 or
david@definewine.com.au
Gerald Naef at Patina Wines on: 0429 457 575 or
gerald@patinawines.com.au
"The 2009 Sticky Tea is effectively a happy accident," commented owner and winemaker, Gerald Naef. "I have a great enthusiasm for Riesling as it is one of the most diverse varieties in the world. It is perfectly suited to the Orange terroir, with the soil, intense sunshine and cool to cold climate."
"The grapes are basket pressed and subsequently, each vintage, I am frustrated at tipping out Riesling pressings, knowing that there is still up to 25 percent juice left due to the stingy nature of the variety. This year, I decided to experiment with the variety and add yeast to the pressed skins, not sure of the outcome."
With Australian winemaking attracting criticism recently for its lack of innovation and differentiation, the new Patina wine offers solace.
"This regional, innovative expression of Riesling is a light aperitif or dessert style with mouth watering lemon and green tea flavours."
"Grape derived tannins in white wines, especially Riesling, are often avoided by winemakers, however it is the tannins in our Sticky Tea that form the backbone in this alluring wine, giving it a refreshing, complex, iced tea appeal. This is certainly a style that we'll continue to make in future years."
Pinot Gris is a relatively new variety to the Orange region, however it is eminently suited to the region's soil and cool climate. There is speculation that the increased levels of UV radiation resulting from Orange's high elevation contributed to the intensity of flavour and the resultant finesse of the region's grapes.
"We aim to produce a Pinot Gris that shows fresh fruit flavours and mouth-filling characteristics, leaning toward creaminess in the mid-palate, and a long tapering dry finish," commented Gerald. "We subsequently fermented and aged our Pinot Gris on lees for eight months in stainless steel in order to obtain this desired fruit and textural balance."
"It's an exciting time in Orange," added Gerald. "The region is beginning to show its true potential and is attracting more winemakers and investment.
The vineyards are getting to an age where they are expressing excellent flavours and balance. It's fantastic to be part of a new and emerging region, with great wines, energy and boundless potential."
Pricing & distribution: The Patina wines are available in Sydney, Queensland, Canberra as well as nationally, direct from the winery at www.patinawines.com.au
2009 Patina Orange Region Sticky Tea Riesling $22.00 (375ml)
2008 Patina Orange Region Pinot Gris $22.00
For further information, samples or images please contact:
David Cumming at Define Wine on: 0414 736 342 or
david@definewine.com.au
Gerald Naef at Patina Wines on: 0429 457 575 or
gerald@patinawines.com.au
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