Three generations ago, the Conti family immigrated from the small Sicilian village of Roccella to start a new life in Australia, and so continued their enduring relationship between the land and wine...

Vineyard
Fruit for this wine was entirely hand harvested from old, low yielding grenache planted on our Mariginiup Vineyard in 1948. The soils are light sandy top soils over fragmented limestone which results in reduced vigour and better fruit intensity.

Harvest
Fruit was harvested in late March 2009. The harvest date is determined by tasting fruit in the field. We are looking for grenache with fruit sweetness and shiraz with good colour and body.

Winemaking
Following de-stemming and crushing, the grenache was fermented in traditional open fermenters for 4 days before pressing. The 40% shiraz component is blended back before bottling after 12 months in seasoned American and French oak.

Nose
Slightly raisin fragrance of fresh red cherries, berries and plums with undertones of cloves and nutmeg.

Palate
A grenache driven, rich, earthy palate with the shiraz providing some spice and juicy fruit softness.

Food
Enjoy now with Romano, Pecorino or your favourite savoury hard cheeses, full flavoursome meats such as veal shanks or provincial Italian pasta dishes and wood fired pizza.

Cellaring
For further complexity, cellar for 2 to 5 years.

Related Links
Awards

"Full of character. Easy current drinking"

Peter Forrestal, STM, The Sunday Times, November 8, 2009

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