The name Tupelo was inspired by the Tupelo black gum, of which its honey is highly sought after for its unique characteristic of having the perfect balance of sugars that it doesn’t crystallise. Samantha’s passion for white blends and the drive to find the perfect balance of sugar, acid and texture with her wines makes the naming of this wine perfect. Plus it’s the name of a Van Morrison song ‘Tupelo Honey’ and the place where Elvis was born. Given the praise this wine has received in recent vintages I’d say it’s keeping up with its heady namesake.
Samantha highlights how delicious Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer taste straight off the vine in Coal River Valley, so much flavour in the skins.
All the grapes are hand picked, destemmed. All varietals are left on skins for 8 hours before pressing. Wild fermented mostly seasoned oak, with a tank component of Pinot Gris + the small Riesling component fermented in Egg. ees post ferment for 2 months. Left on lees for 2 months post ferment. Wine is fined and filtered due to the 3.1 grams of RS purposely left in the wine.