Greg Trott, the man who nursed Wirra Wirra back to health and re-introduced the estate's noble wines to the world, was a wanderer. A simple run to the local shops might evolve into an interstate luncheon. He would return a day or so later, bemused by the fuss. It seemed to all, that Trott was in training to become Olympic Hiding Champion and it became part of the folklore at Wirra Wirra. Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from Jeff and Ann Gower's spectacular Yandra Vineyard at Lenswood in Adelaide Hills and vinified into a rejuvenating, stylish young wine.
Wirra Wirra has been working closely with the Australian Wine Research Institute to identify unique yeast strains, with particular interest around the resultant aromatics and palate feel, in a quest to produce world class Sauvignon Blanc. This period of exploration has evolved into the Hiding Champion. Hand picked grapes are destemmed, crushed and cooled to 5C. Juices are pressed, retaining the free run and solids in separate fermenters. Batches are warmed to 17C and inoculated with choice yeasts. Upon completion of ferment to completely dry, the Hiding Champion is chilled and stirred on lees briefly prior to gentle filtration and bottling.
Pale straw with green hues. Pungent nettle, lemon spice, fresh herb and notes of tropical fruit. The palate rides on a wave of lively natural acid but is well supported by sweet soft gooseberries and grapefruit, a touch of passionfruit and leafy spice. Hiding Champion shows plenty of texture and depth, the tight minerality leads to a clean and lively finish, lingering and pure.
