Translation missing: en.ACellars Newsletter 12th October , 2022 - The hills are alive with new Manon releases + Frederick Stevenson tasting this Saturday + WOTW - Rioja Nouveau?!: ACellars Newsletter 12th October , 2022 - The hills are alive with new Manon releases + Frederick Stevenson tasting this Saturday + WOTW - Rioja Nouveau?!
Manon is the label for Tim Webber and Monique Millton, farmed from their high altitude vineyard in the Adelaide Hills. Tim and Mon have a strong belief in working with nature, and have implemented a number of different programs to support this. Everything in the vineyard is done by hand, following biodynamic principles, they have begun to gradually remove introduced flora, and replant with native vegetation, as well as encouraging native animals, such as kangaroos, who keep the grasses under control, but don't damage the soils through compaction.A similar philosophy is utilised in the winery, with everything carried out slowly and without any additions. Bunches are harvested by hand, carefully sorted and then allowed to ferment naturally, with indigenous yeasts. Left to settle over the winter months, the wines are finally bottled unfined and unfiltered - a pure expression of their site and fruit.
Pete got the chance to taste all the new releases with Tim when he was in Sydney last week. Across the board it's the most serious release from Manon to date. The wines all show more intensity and detail than they have in the past. There is a common thread of bright lively acidity across all the wines, including the Forest Red which would look great after a quick chill in the fridge. The cider is also a winner too...
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Frederick Stevenson
Tasting this Saturday, October 15th
3pm - 6pm
Frederick Stevenson started as a side project for winemaker Steven Crawford whilst he still had a winemaking day job for another winery; the first vintage under his alias was released in 2013. Originally wanting to be a chef, he describes himself as a flavourist, but flavour, he searches for naturally in his wines; nothing is synthesised.
Globetrotting steered Steven off the well-worn path of mass-production, and the new wave winemaker was enlightened with vintages across Australia, Italy, Germany and France. Steven pursued texture and interest in wine whilst abroad. He learnt from organic and biodynamic producers who taught him to think intuitively, rather than clinically as he had during his tertiary studies. Steven sought to make the kind of wines he had enjoyed across the bistros and wine bars of Europe; light to medium bodied, lofi, crunchy and made to be enjoyed without fuss.
Steven sources biodynamic fruit from regions around South Australia. Everything is small batch here, and minimal intervention is a must. The wines are fun and lively in the glass and speak of the regions from which they come.
Join us this Saturday to try all of his new releases including his new Barbera which was an absolute knockout when we tasted with Steven last week.
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WINE OF THE WEEK
Artuke Rioja Cabonica Maceracion Tempranillo 2020
New-aged Rioja made from 100% Tempranillo. I say new-aged because traditionally Rioja is not made using carbonic maceration, a technique used in the winery to maintain freshness and fruitiness. This Artuke is exactly that, so keep it casual and maybe even chilled in the warmer months. - Chris L
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