La Ferme de Sato Le Chant du Vent

La Ferme de Sato sits on the schist-rich hillsides of Bannockburn, Central Otago's most austere subregion, where diurnal temperature swings exceed 20°C and autumn frosts arrive early. The vineyard's northeast-facing aspect and free-draining, decomposed schist soils force the vines into stress that concentrates phenolics and mineral expression rather than fruit sweetness.

Technique: Sauvignon Blanc fruit undergoes cool-temperature fermentation in stainless steel, preserving volatile aromatics and acidity. No oak aging — the wine remains on fine lees for extended contact, building textural weight without oxidative character. Bottling occurs early to lock in primary aromatics and preserve the wine's crystalline structure.

Special Feature: Bannockburn's schist terroir produces Sauvignon Blancs of unusual minerality and restraint compared to warmer Central Otago sites. This expression prioritizes stone, herb, and citrus pith over tropical fruit, reflecting the site's marginal ripening conditions and the winemaker's commitment to unoaked, tension-driven winemaking.

Drink 2024–2028 for peak aromatic clarity and mineral definition.