Mount Benson, Limestone Coast
100% Malvasia Istriana
13% Alc
After a cool & damp Christmas/New Year, the coastal breezes thankfully assisted in avoiding disease pressure in our vineyard, as well as Mundulla. A long, dry ripening season featured consistently warm, sunny days & cool nights without extreme heat or wind related stress. These ideal conditions have resulted in sublime fruit quality right across the board, from early-picked sparkling to late-ripening red varieties.
The fruit was handpicked on a chilly April morning. Half was crushed into stainless steel and wild fermented on skins aiming to build phenolic texture flavour persistence. The remaining portion was whole bunch pressed before a light settle and finally transferred with some light solids to a ceramic egg where it also under went wild ferment which helps us build lees derived textures while capturing fruit purity. Finally the two parcels were brought together to create a wine of multiple personalities and layers.
Exotic aromas of jasmine and pear drops lead to a medium bodied palate of white stone fruits. Some quince and grapefruit pith phenols provide a firm spine until those wonderfully spicy, skin-contact tannins ensure a savoury, spicy finish. A perfect warming white wine to have in the depths of a cold front, and the perfect white for a red wine drinker.
Wangolina Seasons Malvasia Istriana 2024
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.