Saurus Sauvignon Blanc | Moreno Wines

Wine Producer:

Familia Schroeder

Vintage:

2007

Winemaker:

Leonardo Puppato

Winemaking:

The grapes were hand picked and sorted through a vibratory screen. The alcoholic fermentation was in stainless steel tanks with temperature control, using selected yeasts and enzymes. There was also a pre-fermentation maceration at low temperature for 4 hours with CO2 protection. Partial Malolactic fermentation only (30% of the mass). Maturation took place on its fine lees in stainless steel for 6 months, with battonage every 15 days, until bottling. Clarification was with granulated bentonite, so the wine is suitable for vegans.

Wine Style:

White

Winery Info:

Schroeder’s winery is located outside Neuquen, a sizeable, rambling provincial town about an hour’s flight south of Buenos Aires by plane on the northern fringes of the brown desert of Patagonia. Snow melt water from the Andes, the river Neuquen and man-made canals make the area an oasis of fruit cultivation. Winemaking takes place in an airy and light new winery, dating from 2001, that is energy efficient due to its hillside location and the use of gravity in the wine process. Roberto Schroeder manages the family’s agricultural interests, while winemaker Leonardo Puppato is the winemaker and king of the vineyards. Exports make up 55% of their production and they export to 17 countries.

Vineyard information:

An initial 140 hectares were planted in 2001, with more capacity possible, so vine age is increasing at a pace. Yields are approximately 7000 kilos per hectare. The soil is based on ancient bedrock 75 million years old, and is poor in organic material, making it relatively infertile. Patagonia’s high latitude (39’S) means plentiful light during the growing season, and the distinct rain shadow effect of the Andes makes the area very dry and sunny. Windy conditions necessitate windbreak tree planting in the vineyards, but vine diseases are rare in the well-ventilated conditions. All in all, ideal cool climate conditions for producing healthy, high quality grapes with plenty of natural acidity. Schroeder’s commitment to quality means that green harvesting accounts for as much as 15 – 30% of the annual crop.

Food Pairing:

Parma ham and melon poached salmon.

Abv:

13%

Grape Variety:

Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting Note:

Pale strawcoloured wine with a vibrant citrus aroma redolent of pink grapefruit and lime and some cut grass notes. This carries through to the palate where there is a focused finish showing that lively acidity and a clean appetising appeal.