Migliarina Grey Matters Pinot Gris 2017
I’m blaming my stupidity for not picking this up sooner. The world was raving about it, but I’m only getting around to this now.
The Wine:
Such a pretty pale rich golden colour. Medium intensity of Juicy golden delicious apples (my first thought was apple blossoms but I doubt I’ve ever smelled an apple blossom!), sultanas, white peaches, lemon curd, maybe some ripe melon and honey.
I feel a hint of sweetness, even though it’s only 1.5g/L (perhaps that’s the peach), high acidity, medium bodied, long finish. Oh dear, I’m going to need much more of this beauty...but only 2820 bottles were made.
Viti + Vini:
Hand harvested from a single vineyard in Bottelary in Stellenbosch and refrigerated overnight. Whole bunch pressed, cold settled. Half was fermented in tank. The other half was naturally fermented in shaved barrels. Both were kept on their lees for 9 months (speaks to the colour and weight). No MLF, protein or cold stabilisation, or filtration.
Conclusion:
Balance (1) + Length (1) + Intensity (1) + Complexity (½) = A very good wine.
Can be drunk now, but suitable for further ageing.
Final Thoughts:
I say this time and again, but I’m blown away by the elegance and intention of Carsten Migliarina's wines. He’s a somm turned self taught winemaker. And I find that fascinating. Each year he makes an experimental wine, bottling it only he's satisfied with the result. He clearly has passion and a fantastic palate, that leads the way he develops his wines. I’d love to pick his brain to find out what has influenced his palate and style. In the meantime, I’ll just keep drinking his wines...because this is EXACTLY where my palate current lies!