Vineyard

Grapes for this sparkling style come from the lowest points of the Chardonnay and Schubert vineyards as well as the entire 1984 planting of Pinot Noir. We use the fruit from these areas because it is usually slightly higher in acid than the balance of the blocks and as a result the juice expression is of fruit freshness rather than varietal expression. We only attempt a “Chirac” in the cooler years at Bloodwood.

The grapes

We aim for 12 Be and 8 g/l acid. As with all Bloodwood wines, the fruit is hand picked and sorted if necessary and immediately processed at the winery. The Pinot component which is usually around 30% provides the mouth-feel we need to balance the somewhat racy Chardonnay fruit.

Vintage Conditions

2010 was a year of contrasts. A below average winter led on to a moderate and moist summer season with good rains from December to February. Luckily, things dried out for the harvest and fruit quality was very good across most varieties. In the winery, it soon became obvious that Chardonnay and Pinot Noir quality for sparkling production was above average with good acid/fruit balance which has followed through into the wines. Hand-picking of the fruit for the base wine for this wine took place on 15th March 2010.

Winemaking

Whole bunch pressing until just before the first awkward phenolics appear usually yields around 480 to 500 litres per tonne. We handled the juice quite oxidatively and cool fermented it to dryness aiming for a total SO2 of less than 40 ppm with around 10 or so free. Post-ferment racking to clean stainless steel and a little very old, very clean white French oak then followed prior to tirage and commencement of secondary ferment on 9th November 2010. The tiraged wine lingered for an extraordinary 150 months on lees before it was disgorged, sulfur adjusted and liquered to 5g/l for you to enjoy. This all is a very expensive, risky and time consuming activity which means we accept the Bloodwood Chirac as a loss leader in our portfolio. Doesn't all that sound like we know what we are real business people who know what we are talking about? If only I understood the meaning of the word “charmat?” Anyhoo, chill a bottle, crumble out the Parmesan and enjoy this time capsule from our 2010 vintage.

Wine Analysis

PH 3.10

Acidity 6.8g/l

Alc/Vol 12.47%

Tasting Notes

Bright gold in colour with a complex savoury bouquet supporting underlying zesty Chardonnay and Pinot Noir fruit throughout its delicious palate, this richly flavoured Chirac was disgorged after 150 months on lees. The fine-textured, persistent mousse and lively flavours throughout complete the long and balanced mouth feel of this classic Chirac. Enjoy the savoury freshness and savour the richness of texture so much a part of this unique wine. Al/Vol 12.5%