Langton’s Selections T’Gallant Tribute Pinot Gris T’Gallant was established by husband and wife team Kevin McArthy and Katherine Quealy both trained wine makers and both showing exceptional flair. This small Mornington Peninsula winery has been at the vanguard of innovation particularly in the development of Pinot Gris. T'Gallant winemaking philosophy is described as: “Expressive with natural warm fermentations ensuring gossamer-like yeast aromas. Each wine is assessed regularly on its journey to the bottle. Reductive characters are blown off with air. Gentle fining when required uses natural proteins found in isinglass and egg white. Blends of vineyards occur after fermentation; however the knowledge of a vineyard's destiny has occurred many years before.” The emphasis is on white winemaking, particularly Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. The best vineyards are located on deep red volcanic soils sheltered from prevailing winds. Kathleen Quealy comments, “We find our wines have flavours evocative of red soil and autumnal air, with generous acid backbone and finesse that defies their impressive alcohol.” An old 1950s apple cold store has been converted into a modern winery especially designed for minimal handling. The fruit is whole bunch pressed before vinification. There is no crushing or pumping of grape must. The Tribute Pinot Gris is the strongest card in its pack. In a good vintage it can be quite high in alcohol yet show beautifully perfumed aromas and plenty of flesh and viscosity on the palate. T’Gallant is sailor’s slang for ‘Topgallant’, the top sail of a square-rigger ship. It is also an obscure term used by Shakespeare to mean the best. T’Gallant makes four different Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio styles. The seductively structured Tribute Pinot Gris is one of Australia’s best. The Imogen is also excellent. The reds, three Pinot Noirs including a Tribute Pinot Noir based on Balranning Vineyard fruit, a Beechworth Sangiovese and Glenrowan Shiraz, are other wines in the portfolio. The winery is now owned by Foster’s Wine Group, although Kevin McArthy and Katherine Quealy continue to drive winemaking philosophy and innovation. Andrew Caillard MW, Langton's