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.