Winemaking for me is very hands on and gut instinct, the piece of paper gets you the job, but the skill is learnt doing the job. In a very traditional sense, I believe wine is made in the vineyard, but intelligent and considered handling of fruit in the winery is crucial. The purpose of SHERRAH is to showcase the varieties I believe are best suited to the amazing region of McLaren Vale, truly one of the finest places to grow grapes in the world.
“Wine to me is not about tasting blackcurrant and cigar box but how the wine ‘feels’ to drink. I believe in balance, a great wine should have no sharp edges - it should have beautiful smooth curves from front to back.” Alex Sherrah, wine maker & chief swirler.
A blend of three distinct bush vine Grenache vineyards, 15% whole bunch, hand-plunged open fermenters, no fining or preservatives. Lifted and Luscious, fruit driven with a structured finish. Small portions of three distinct Grenache vineyards were blended to produce this joven style. One from the low altitude and coastal Lacey vineyard in Tatachilla, another from 80-year-old vines at the base of the Willunga foothills at one of the southern most points in the Vale, and a 60-year-old bush vine high in Blewitt Springs planted in deep sand. Parcels fermented separately, all harvested by hand and gently destemmed to give whole berry ferments. 10-15% whole bunches were added to the bottom of each ferment to begin fermenting carbonically. Bottled after 2 months in seasoned puncheons. No fining or sulphur additions. Try a glass on its own or with just about anything... it is that good.
14.2% ABV