Colour:
2026 Lorraine Semscato is brilliant pale straw in colour.
Aroma:
The aromatics are bright and expressive, bursting with lifted florals and perfume. Layers of orange blossom, tropical pineapple and jasmine are complemented by a subtle spicy, musky nuance, adding depth and intrigue.
Palate:
The palate is light, vibrant and juicy, driven by fresh tropical fruit. Natural acidity provides a tangy, lemon sorbet-like line, giving energy and precision. A gentle touch of residual grape sweetness sits in perfect balance, enhancing the purity and brightness of fruit without excess. The fine spritz adds a refreshing lift, bringing further zest and liveliness. It finishes long and clean, completing an irresistibly fresh and expressive wine.
Recommended Drinking:
Best enjoyed now while youthful and radiant.
Grapes were deliberately harvested early to capture freshness and vitality, forming the foundation of a bright, fruit-driven wine. Picked on February 26th, the Semillon (86%) and Viognier (14%) parcels showed crisp natural acidity and lifted aromatics. Following crushing, the fruit was immediately pressed, with the juice cold settled prior to racking. Most of the clarified juice was cool fermented to preserve purity of fruit, while a portion was held unfermented and later blended back to provide natural grape sweetness. This approach results in a wine of lower alcohol with inherent balance between freshness and gentle sweetness. The wine was bottled early with a light spritz, enhancing vibrancy and capturing its youthful, lively character
Vintage 2026 was shaped by contrast, delivering wines of depth, balance and character. A slightly above-average Winter and Spring replenished soil moisture and set up healthy vine growth, before one of the driest, warmest Summers on record drove concentration in the fruit. Perfectly timed rainfall at the end of February refreshed the vines ahead of ripening, while mild, steady conditions through March and April allowed for even development and extended hang time. Yields were down around 25%, but quality is excellent, with perfumed whites and rosé, and deeply coloured, structured reds showing richness, purity and hallmark Kalleske balance
A 1980 planting of Semillon is the basis of this wine. These old vines give rich flavours, complexity, and balance. The vines are grown in sandy loam soil over deep red clay and are hand pruned. Combined with the Semillon is a portion of Viognier for added complexity.