Mitchelton Airstrip 2002 Front Label
Mitchelton Airstrip 2002 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

The Airstrip blend of Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier exhibits complementary aromas derived from all three varieties as well as length, texture and structure. The Marsanne adds white peach and melon flavors, viscosity and persistence to the blend while the Viognier lends delicate rose aromas, apricot flavors and body. The Roussanne provides the final crucial elements of texture and structure. This wine is constructed from six vineyard sites on the Mitchelton estate. The soil types are sandy loam and heavy clay. The sandy loam sites contribute finer more aromatic blend components and the heavy clay sites provide the textural and fuller bodied elements of the blend.

The palate shows rich apricot and plum fruit with good crisp acid to balance the finish. The Viognier component is giving extra viscosity to round out this unique blend.

42% Marsanne, 38% Roussanne and 20% Viognier

Mitchelton

Mitchelton

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Full-bodied and flavorful, white Rhône blends originate from France’s Rhône Valley. Today these blends are also becoming popular in other regions. Typically some combination of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier form the basis of a white Rhône blend with varying degrees of flexibility depending on the exact appellation. Somm Secret—In the Northern Rhône, blends of Marsanne and Roussanne are common but the south retains more variety. Marsanne, Roussanne as well as Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picpoul and Ugni Blanc are typical.

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A large, climatically diverse country with incredibly diverse terrain, producing just about every wine style imaginable, Australia has a grand winemaking history and some of the oldest vines on the planet. Both red wine and white wine from Australian are wildly popular and beloved. Most of Australia's wine regions are concentrated in the south of the country with those inland experiencing warm, dry conditions and those in coastal areas receiving tropical, maritime or Mediterranean weather patterns. Australia has for several decades been at the forefront of winemaking technology and has widely adopted the use of screwcaps, even for some premium and ultra-premium bottles. Thanks to the country’s relatively agreeable climate throughout and the openness of its people, experimentation is common and ongoing.

Shiraz is indeed Australia’s most celebrated and widely planted variety; Barossa Valley leads the way, producing exceptionally bold and supple versions. Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia's second most planted variety, can be blended with Shiraz but also shines on its own particularly in Coonawarra and Margaret River. Grenache and Mourvèdre are also popular, both on their own and alongside Shiraz in Rhône Blends. Chardonnay is common throughout the country and made in a wide range of styles. Sauvignon Blanc has recently surged in popularity to compete with New Zealand’s distinctive version and Semillon is often blended in Margaret River or shines on its own in the Hunter Valley. Riesling thrives in the cool-climate Clare and Eden Valleys. Sticky-sweet fortified wine Rutherglen is a beloved regional specialty of Victoria.

SWS95153_2002 Item# 83524