2008 The Stump Jump Sticky Chardonnay
�© Neil Matterson
Technical Information
Alcohol:
10.5%
pH:
3.59
Glucose & Fructose:
150 g/L
Chief Winemaker:
Chester d'Arenberg Osborn
Senior Winemaker:
Jack Walton
The Story Behind The Name
The name ‘Stump Jump’ pays homage to a significant South Australian invention – the Stump Jump plough. As well as clearing the land around McLaren Vale, it was adopted worldwide in the late 19th century because of its ability to ride over stumps and gnarled roots, saving valuable time and energy.
The Characteristics
The nose is packed with rich flavours of marmalade, cumquat, ripe peach and orange butter.
The palate is unctuous with the cumquat character coming through and layers of yellow peach, butterscotch and a hint of green apple. The finish has a touch of lemon acidity with a lingering orange rind character.
This sweet wine can be served with dessert, cheeses, fresh fruit or dribbled over vanilla icecream
The Vintage
2008 was a special year, it was the International Year of the Frog, the Potato and Sanitation. It was also significant because summer rain caused the onset of Botrytis Cinerea in our Chardonnay vineyards in McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills.
This friendly fungus removes the moisture from the grapes leaving behind the sugar, nutrients and minerals and allows us to make this beautiful sweet and sticky wine.
The Winemaking
The botrytis infected grapes were picked late in the season when fruit flavours were at an optimal point.
The fruit is gently crushed and allowed to sit on skins for a short time.
The must was then very gently basket pressed and the juice inoculated with a neutral yeast that would not dominate the fruit flavours but was capable enough to cope with the naturally high sugar levels.
The fermentation is stopped, retaining unctuous sweetness.