VITICULTURE
This Merlot was selected from our vineyard on Mere Road, part of the highly regarded Gimblett Gravels sub-region. This vineyard has a generous silty phase that produces wines with soft mouth-filling tannins. Our viticulturist used precision viticulture techniques to target appropriate treatments for the different soil phases. These treatments included targeting crop loads and canopy management appropriate for the variable vigour levels. Fruit thinning was applied to the vines before veraison, and the 2022 growing season was warm, allowing for the grapes to be picked at good maturity.
WINEMAKING
The fermentation was managed with minimal pump-overs to avoid over-extracting the tannins. When the fermentation was complete there followed a period of post-fermentation maceration to develop the mouthfeel of the young wines. After running off the skins and pressing, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in tank before blending and transfer to French oak barrels for maturation. 25% of the barrels were
new. After 12 months, the best barrels were selected for assembling the final blend.
Reaching New Zealand shores in 1838, pioneering French missionaries founded a legacy. From their many accomplishments, now interwoven throughout history, came New Zealand’s first winery, Mission, in 1851. Their inspiration, a legacy we continue.
New Zealand Winegrowing
Central to the success of New Zealand as a world-renowned wine growing region is the temperate maritime climate and the free- draining alluvial soils. The growing season is long, providing perfect conditions for slow ripening and full flavour development. Cool nights and warm days retain fruit acidity which lends a freshness and vibrancy, highly
characteristic of New Zealand wine styles.
Sustainability Practices
Mission has strong sustainability credentials as a founding member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand and holding ISO 14001 environmental certification since 1998. With organics and organic conversions underway in some vineyards, Mission has an ongoing commitment to sustainable viticulture and winemaking practices. In 2007, the Mission winery underwent a multi-million dollar upgrade designed to maximise energy and water efficiencies. Today, Mission is proud to produce some of New Zealand’s finest wines in the most environmentally friendly manner.
