2010 ALLUVIALE TARDIF

The 2010 Vintage in Hawkes Bay brought with it unusually dry Autumn weather. Rather than getting botrytis infection, the Sauvignon Blanc grapes left hanging for Alluviale Anobli (our noble sweet wine) remained clean yet with significant ‘passerillage’ or raisining.

As the fruit profile was similar to the Petit Manseng grapes of the Jurancon region in south-west France, where David’s family has an estate, we were inspired to produce a vibrant sweet wine, akin to the Jurancon Moelleux which is enjoyable as an aperitif.

Aperitif is a French word derived from the Latin, Aperire – to open up. Historically, the concept of having a sweet alcoholic drink was introduced in France in 1846 by the chemist Joseph Dubonnet as a means of delivering quinine to the population.  However it was found to stimulate the appetite and was enjoyed so much by his wife that she spread the word amongst her friends and started a whole new drinking trend.

Nowadays, the aperitif defines a moment as well as a drink. It’s that time after work when you relax and enjoy the late afternoon sun with something that refreshes the palate, doesn’t blunt the taste buds or fill you up.

Alluviale Tardif is the perfect wine for this moment. It is a rich yet delicate and fragrant wine with a beautiful balance of acidity, sweetness and tartness on the finish that makes you fancy another glass. Enjoy Alluviale Tardif this summer, well chilled, in full glasses and spread the word.

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