Giesen Wines launches new Single Vineyards range using German Fuder barrels
Giesen Wines, owned by German-born brothers Theo, Alex and Marcel, have turned to their former homeland for inspiration
with a new range of wines they have just released.
The Fuder range, comprising two styles of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, takes its name from the 1000 litre German oak
barrels in which the wines are aged.
Marcel Giesen says the company now has 26 Fuders with another 30 arriving for the 2014 vintage. Historically they were
used to age Mosel wines and transport the finished wine.
“The Fuder wines develop a greater complexity and refinement but the oak doesn’t dominate. The ratio of wine in contact
with the barrel surface is less than smaller barrels so oak pick up is less. The staves of the barrel are thicker which
means the temperature of ferment tends to be warmer and we find the fruit characters gain greater depth and complexity,”
Marcel says.
“The surface area of settled yeast on the bottom of the barrel to wine is higher so the effect of time maturing on yeast
lees has a greater impact on the wine, influencing the texture of the mouth feel and complexity of flavour.”
Currently being released is The Fuder Sauvignon Blanc 2011 and The Fuder Chardonnay 2011.
The winemakers targeted two areas that historically have produced outstanding parcels of wine from previous vintages.
“The grapes for both these wines are handpicked. The Sauvignon Blanc fruit comes from Giesen’s Old Dillon’s Point block
where the low cropped vines at 2Kg/vine are organically grown on over 20 year old spur and cane pruned vines. This
unique site yields focused fruit with true purity and high concentration. The Chardonnay is sourced from the renowned
Clayvin Vineyard which also is organic. The vines are planted at high density on a north facing aspect where they are
shoot and crop thinned to 1.5Kg/vine. This low cropping on clay soils produces wonderfully concentrated chardonnay fruit
of the highest quality. Giesen recently signed a long-term lease on the Clayvin Vineyard,” Marcel says.
Giesen Wines has already had early success with The Fuder Single Vineyard Selection, winning three gold medals at the
New Zealand International Wine Show in September: The Fuder Single Vineyard Selection: Clayvin Chardonnay 2011; The
Fuder Single Vineyard Selection: Clayvin Chardonnay 2012; and The Fuder Single Vineyard Selection: Matthews Lane
Sauvignon Blanc 2012. The Fuder Single Vineyard Selection:
Dillon’s Point Sauvignon Blanc 2012 also won gold at the Spiegelau International Wine Competition earlier this year.
At the recent Marlborough Wine Show The Fuder Single Vineyard Selection Clayvin Chardonnay 2011 won the Trophy for
Champion Chardonnay 2011; The Fuder Single Vineyard Selection Matthews Lane Sauvignon Blanc 2012 was awarded the Trophy
for Champion Sauvignon Blanc Emerging Styles; and the Trophy for Champion Sauvignon Blanc 2012 went to The Fuder Single
Vineyard Selection Matthews Lane Sauvignon Blanc 2012.
In the Air New Zealand Wine Awards, The Fuder Sauvignon Blanc: Dillion’s Point 2011, and the
The Fuder Chardonnay: Clayvin 2011 both won Pure Gold medals.
“This new range adds further dimension to the Giesen portfolio and is in response to a growing demand from restaurants,
bars and fine wine retailers for something unique. There is a global demand for bespoke wines that offer something
different and special in the ultra premium segment of the market.”
ENDS