Little Helper Valley Blend 2017 (12 x 750mL) King Valley, VIC

The King Valley is one of Australia’s most exciting, emerging wine regions. It is located in North East Victoria – approximately three hours North of Melbourne and seven hours South of Sydney. Home to the most picturesque and unspoilt valley in Australia, King Valley benefits from a cool climate with extremely varied terrain, that ranges from snow-capped Alps to sun baked fields.

The growing season was a return to gentle, mild and cool conditions. Cool nights and mild days extended the growing season while retaining natural acidity. The fruit quantity was balanced and fruit quality was exceptional,

producing vibrant aromas and intense flavours in the white varieties. Overall, a classic vintage producing excellent white and sparkling wines.

The fruit for the 2017 Valley Blend was picked between 9th March and the 30th March at low baumé ripeness. The grapes were picked in the early morning, pressed off skins into tank for fermentation with high solids to provide complexity and texture while still retaining fresh flavours. Once in tank, fermentation with high solids content at a 14.0°C ferment temperature was completed slowly over 4 weeks. This allowed retainment of fresh aromas and flavours while providing creamy texture and mouthfeel. The wine was left on yeast lees with weekly stirring to protect the freshness of the wine and adding further layers of textural complexity. The wine was bottled under screw cap.