Limestone Coast
100% Mencia
13.5% Alc
The 2022 vintage in the Limestone Coast wine region of South Australia was generally marked by warm, dry conditions with cool nights, leading to high-quality fruit with good natural acidity. While crop yields were down compared to the previous year, they were generally around average and ripened well.
Another alternative variety grown in the Limestone Coast however this time from the folks at Old Mundulla Vineyards.
Whilst this area is warmer and higher ripeness and a richer style of Mencía is possible we choose to make this in a fun and fresh "joven" style. This is a new planting and this is only it's third crop. This variety is showing wonderful potential from this hidden gem of a wine region and is possibly the biggest production of Mencia as a dry red style wine in Australia.
Fermented on skins for 12 days in open top fermenters and then into a mix of both large and small, new and seasoned oak for 11 months prior to bottling.
The Wangolina Mencia is a lighter bodied juicy red. Some lifted notes of medicinal cherry and red bramble. Bright and glossy as it hits the buds, unveiling a nice core of cherry pip and slight kola nut hints on the finish.
Wangolina A Series Mencia 2022
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.