Limestone Coast
100% Lagrein
14% Alc
It was a challenging Summer for most grape growers around the country with lacking sunshine and lower than average temperatures delaying ripening by a month. However, there is a silver lining. For what levels of anxiety this has caused for possible disease pressure (which we’ve avoided here in breezy Mt Benson), the slower ripening period has provided the most detailed layering and fruit complexity with wonderful natural acidity that we have seen, which can be seen across the range.
This wine is a blend of Montepulciano from two Limestone Coast vineyards. 35% is from Oparina Vineyards in Padthaway and 65% from Wirrega Vineyards in Mundulla. The two parcels are made separately and are treated according to their primary fruit characteristics. The Mundulla fruit brings us the density and structure, whilst the Padthaway fruit brings a lighter bright cherry fruit to the wine. Both batches are fermented in open fermenters with hand plunging twice a day before pressing and maturation in oak. The Oparina is matured in one seasoned puncheon whilst the Wirrega fruit is in smaller format oak.
The Wangolina Montepulciano is a medium bodied fleshy and fun red wine. Black cherry, black olive, and rosemary characters along with it’s signature dried oregano flavour and thyme complement the rustic Italianate tannins.
90 points Tom Kline, 90 points Stuart Knox
Wangolina A Series Lagrein 2023
Young Gun of Wine Finalist 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024. Halliday Top 10 Dark Horse 2021.
Wangolina is proud of its traditional varieties and the unique expressions of Mount Benson they portray, all the while turning its attention to alternative varietals such as Grüner Veltliner and Malvasia Istriana, varieties that flourish in the cool climate and coastal region.
Wangolina has approximately 11.5ha of vines with fluctuations from year to year as Anita experiments with varieties. Volumes of Shiraz and Cabernet has slowly been decreasing over the years, but Sauvignon Blanc has increased to 5.5ha from the original 1.6ha planted. Smaller parcels include Pinot Gris, Semillon, Grüner Veltliner, and there are exciting new plantings of Malvasia Istriana, Verdicchio, Garganega, Aligote and Melon.
The introduction of new varieties is not only for Anita’s winemaking experiments, but also for future planning regarding climate change and the decompression of vintage. Wangolina has a focus on varieties that are best suited to our climate, that will require lower vineyard inputs and will thrive with minimal intervention, aligning with our values and ethos.
Anita is a proud fourth generation Wangolina farm girl owning 700 acres of farmland that surrounds the vineyard. The custodianship of the land is very important to the family, and they feel privileged to have been able to work the land for 101 years. While currently not following any specific organic or biodynamic protocols, we are mindful of sustainability and choose to work towards softer chemistry where possible. Wangolina is currently a member of, and is in the process of working towards sustainability certification with Sustainable Winegrowers Australia.