La Ferme de Sato Schisteux Chenin Blanc

As the name "Schisteux" suggests, the Chenin Blanc on the Sato vineyard is grown on the parts of the site that are richest in schist soils. This imparts a distinct minerality to the Sato home farm Chenin Blanc, in a not-too-dissimilar mode to the great Chenin Blancs of the Loire Valley. Chalky yet textural and absolutely delicious, this a powerhouse Chenin Blanc that will not disappoint.

Yoshiaki Sato and his wife Kyoko moved to Central Otago in 2006 and have been producing wines made with minimal intervention ever since. Yoshiaki and Kyoko have completed vintages together in Burgundy, the Loire and Alsace and to this day work under the mentorship of Pierre Frick. Originating from careers in international banking in Tokyo and London, they took a bold step toward realizing their wine aspirations by relocating to New Zealand. After a brief period at Lincoln University in Christchurch, where they pursued a graduate diploma in viticulture & viniculture, they eventually found themselves in Central Otago.

Yoshiaki Sato honed his craft during a two-year tenure at Felton Road alongside Blair Walters and a time at Mount Edward with Duncan Forsyth. 

Until now Yoshiaki and Kyoko have been sourcing fruit from organic vineyards around Central Otago and in early 2016 purchased his own farm in the Pisa sub-region which he has planted with Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gamay Noir and Pinot Noir.

This outstanding Chenin Blanc comes from Sato’s very own vineyard and made on-site too in their winery which is located at the top of their Hillside vineyard.  

This Chenin Blanc packs a mineral punch and will stand up to some Asain spice. Try it with Gurnard or Monk Fish, Thai Curry.

 

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About This Wine

Country
NZ
Region
Central Otago
Appellation
Cromwell/Lowburn/Pisa
Type
White
Varietal
Chenin Blanc
Soils
Alluvial, sandy or silt loam with schist and quartz gravel
Farming
Organic
Vegan
Yes
Closure
Screw Cap
Alcohol
11.8%
Pairing
Sweet and spicy Honey Sriracha Salmon with broth and Udon noodles