Shiraz Viognier, 2019

A classic blend of Shiraz with a touch of Viognier to add perfume, the wine is co-fermented to ensure optimal integration. Aromas of violets, musk, pepper and spicy fruit with flavours of dark chocolate and fruits of the forest on the palate. Fine grained tannins give a savoury edge.

Meet the maker: Willunga 100

Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia – Australia

Grape(s): Shiraz (95%), Viognier (5%)

14.5% ABV / 750ml

Viticulture:

The Shiraz for this blend comes from two different blocks on a vineyard in McLaren Flat, an area at the base of the hills towards Kangarilla.

The vines are trellised with a single cordon.

The soils throughout the vineyard are the 'Kurrajong Formation' which consists of clay-sand and silica-cemented conglomerate.

Winemaking:

The two Shiraz blocks were harvested separately three weeks apart and were vinified individually until the final blending.

The grapes started fermentation on skins for seven days before being pressed to stainless steel tanks.

Once fermented to dryness, the wine was racked to oak hogsheads to undergo malolactic fermentation and age for 18 months.

The hogsheads were 80% French and 20% American oak with approximately 20% new and the rest largely under three years old.

The Viognier was fermented separately and barrel-aged before being blended with the Shiraz prior to bottling.