Angove Wild Olive McLaren Vale Shiraz 2018 (Australia)

Description

• French oak
• Blackberry & plum
• Clove spice
• Subtle pepper

Rich deep purple colour in the glass. Blackberry and damson plum followed by savoury spice. Cherry, blackberry, cigar box and clove with deft oak and a hint of pepper.

The 2018 Wild Olive Shiraz grapes have been sourced from the Warboys Organic Vineyard and a long term grower. Warboys provides the powerful base for the wine with the growers fruit contributing elegance and finesse. Sustainable organic management of our vineyards including under-vine mulching to enrich the soil and increase carbon content, manual removal of weeds, no synthetic herbicide and fungicide use and zero artificial inputs, this ensures vines with greater balance, fruit flavour concentration and better overall vineyard biodiversity and health.

Average Winter rainfall and a dry Spring checked initial vine growth and reduced disease pressure in the vineyard. Budburst and flowering occurred in line with the long term average in mid-September. Stable, dry conditions continued throughout Summer with rainfall being up to 80% lower than averages. January experienced 14 consecutive days over 30°C but with adequate water we were able to develop the vines carefully. February was generally cool and mild and grapes were harvested in pristine condition. This hand crafted wine has been made in the Angove small batch winery. After being gently destemmed, the largely whole berries were cold soaked for three days before being allowed to slowly warm with the fermentation initiated by the indigenous yeast of the winery. Pumped over twice daily to coax colour, flavour and tannin. Once dry the finished ferment was gently basket pressed with the free run and pressing fraction kept separate. Maturation for 12 month in seasoned French oak preceded a careful barrel selection and blending process with minimal fining and filtration prior to bottling.

Food Pairing:A perfect match to French inspired food such as organic Beef Bourgingnon.