November 2016
1
Our aim is to craft a delectable savoury, dry RosÊ. Especially with food, perfect for lunch Vineyard: Target Gully, Bannockburn. Planted in 1994, at an elevation of 280m on north facing slopes, on it’s own rootstocks with a yield of 5.5 t/ha.
November 2016
2
November 2016
3
November 2016
4
Established in 1992, Mt Difficulty Wines is home to some of Central Otago’s oldest and most revered vineyards. Situated along Felton Road in the famous sub-region of Bannockburn, Central Otago, this unique area of extremes is ideally suited to crafting wines that speak with a sense of place. “Our philosophy combines ethical viticulture with minimal intervention allowing the wine to express its personality and reflect its home.”
November 2016
5
Looking across the Cellar Door, Winery and Bannockburn, Mt Difficulty is the highest peak and major source of weather influence on Bannockburn
November 2016
6
The unique microclimate of the Bannockburn area is partially created by the presence of Mount Difficulty which overlooks the southern Cromwell basin, and is the namesake of Mt Difficulty Wines. Mount Difficulty is integral in providing low rainfall and humidity for the region. Bannockburn enjoys hot summers, a large diurnal temperature variation and long cool autumns; conditions which bring the best out of the Pinot Noir grapes. These conditions, along with soils which are ideal for viticulture, provide an excellent basis not only for Pinot Noir, but also for Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Chardonnay. The soils are a mix of clay and schist gravels, but all feature a high pH level; grapes produce their best wines on sweet soils. One feature common to all our vineyard soils is the high pH levels: sweet soils are tailor-made for the production of quality wines. November 2016
7
Bellow: Schist based vineyards Central Otago's vineyards benefit from a wide variety of soils, ranging from fine sand and heavy silt loam to rocky schist. Each of these soil types has a pronounced influence on the growth of the vine and flavours of the grapes and resulting wine. In most areas, the soil is derived from loess or alluvial deposits, often with underlying gravel allowing free drainage.
November 2016
8
Bellow: Seasonal variation in Bannockburn Central Otago is the only area in New Zealand with a semi-continental climate - nowhere else in the country experiences greater daily and seasonal extremes of temperature. Summers are hot and dry, with autumns cool, generally dry and with cold nights. Relatively low rainfall and humidity means a low incidence of disease and rot, greatly reducing the need for spraying. The large diurnal temperature variation (the difference between daytime and night-time temperatures) during ripening contributes to flavour intensity, gives depth of colour and stability to the wines. Heavy frosts are common throughout the winter, and can also occur during spring and autumn. As a result, most vineyards are on warmer, northfacing slopes. Frost protection measures such as wind machines, water sprinklers and helicopters are also used.
November 2016
9
Matt Dicey, Winemaker and General Manager Matt (aka Le Grand Fromage) has a lifelong association with the wine industry, and is a fourth generation vigneron. After achieving a Masters Degree in Oenology and Viticulture Matt spent four years gaining experience overseas. He returned to Bannockburn in 1998 to try his hand at the ultimate winemaking challenge – making the best wines possible in a region with infinite potential. Matt's winter passion is skiing with his family, while summers bring jet boating and mountain biking "adventures".
November 2016
10
Thank you
For more information, please visit us at /mtdifficulty www.mtdifficulty.nz
November 2016
11