The grapes for the Santadi Terre Brune are all sourced from old vines that are bush trained in the traditional manner grown in the sandy soils of the Sulcis region in Sardinia. Yields are as little as 1.5kg per vine which creates super concentrated grapes. All harvesting is done by hand from late September into October.
At the winery vinification takes place in stainless steel vats, initially with skin maceration, which is concluded within 15-16 days. Then the malolactic fermentation is started and continues through into December.
The wine is then transferred into new French barriques to age for between 16 and 18 months where the ripe tannins soften and harmonise with the wine into a silky structure. There is a light fining before bottling but no filtration, and the wine then ages for at least a year in bottle at 14°C before shipping and general release to the wine buying public.
The final blend of Terre Brune is made from 90% Carignano and 10% Bovaleddu grapes. On the nose the wine displays intense fruit aromas balanced with the excellent use of oak. The palate shows terrific structure and body with ripe, smooth, black fruit and spices. The wine is immediately striking due to its intense richness and the balance between the fruit and use of oak is superb.
Whitehaven wines was formed in 1993 by Greg and Sue White, and winemaker, Simon Waghorn. Their aim was to establish a winery in Marlborough producing premium quality varietal wines. To achieve this they have brought together a leading New Zealand winemaker, a dedicated group of growers, and a small modern winery facility where top quality fruit can receive the 'hands-on' treatment that i
