Labs 3

Labs 3 is made 100 % from Auxerrois: a lovely white grape variety that I've always wanted to work with. First planted in the UK in the 90s but long since forgotten and unfairly so. Grown widely in Alsace and a close relative of Chardonnay, it ripens early and produces wines of character.

In 2024 we were lucky to work with a tiny vineyard in Suffolk called Shotley, not far from the Orwell bridge. A sheltered spot and loyal host to a range of Germanic grape varieties which, whilst once out of favour with some, are coming to the fore more recently. I had to keep some of their Auxerrois aside to make a single barrel fermentation. We whole-bunch pressed the fruit, taking free-run juice directly to 3rd-fill barrels. Cool, slow fermentation in oak was followed by malolactic fermentation, and a further 9 months ageing resulted in an unassuming yet confident wine that is typical to its roots.

The wine is straw coloured with a delicate nose that is citrus-like and yet more alluring. Notes of wet wool, cut flowers and vanilla pod. Bright on the palate with a soft texture and persistent mineral finish. Drink now but also give this wine a chance to develop in bottle - that's where the interest will happen with this one!

Variety: 100% Auxerrois
Abv: 10.5%
Residual Sugar: <0.5 g/L
Titratable Acidity: 7.2 g/L
Filtration: 5 μm pre-bottling
Ingredients: Hand-harvested grapes, active dried yeast, sulphites (<25 mg/L FSO2), no added sugar.