02-May-16
Saint Clair Family Estate is proud to announce the release of their first ever méthode traditionnelle style wine Saint Clair Dawn 2012. Made from premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes using the traditional method of production, disgorged with 35 months ageing on lees, this wine is elegant and complex with a rich palate and fine mousse.
Saint Clair Family Estate is proud to announce the release of their first ever méthode traditionnelle style wine Saint Clair Dawn 2012. Made from premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes using the traditional method of production, disgorged with 35 months ageing on lees, this wine is elegant and complex with a rich palate and fine mousse.
Saint Clair Family Estate is owned by viticulture pioneers Neal and Judy Ibbotson, who planted grapes in Marlborough in 1978. Neal’s mother Dawn Ibbotson is the driving inspiration behind the creation of Saint Clair Dawn. The wine is a tribute to her positivity, generosity, dedication to the community, uncompromising values and a desire to be her best.
Dawn Ibbotson is the matriarch of Saint Clair, who accomplished 100 years 12th December 2014. Saint Clair chose to celebrate this by producing a méthode traditionnelle style wine named in Dawn’s honour.
A great deal of pre-planning was required due to the lengthy nature of making wine utilising this traditional method of production. Harvesting the grapes in 2012 the wine had twenty-two months on lees in time for the ‘early release’ where Dawn (and her guests) got to share a few bottles in the Dunedin cricket club rooms during Dawn’s 100th year birthday celebrations. However, the Saint Clair winemakers were certain more time was required to make the best possible sparkling so after spending thirty-five months ageing on lees the vintage 2012 is now officially released.
With a recommended retail of $49.00, consumers can enjoy Saint Clair Dawn at the Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen in Marlborough or purchase it directly through the Saint Clair website; www.saintclair.co.nz
Today Dawn continues to enjoy the wine made in her honour. Living on her own (with some daily help) in her own home in Dunedin, she is to turn 102 years of age in December this year. Dawn thoroughly enjoys drinking Saint Clair wines especially at her weekly ‘happy hours’ where she invites friends and neighbours to share a glass of wine and celebrate life.
Family owned Marlborough winery Saint Clair Family Estate are delighted to celebrate such an inspiring positive person and share this exceptional quality wine with their customers.
