Tasting Notes
This year the Marsanne comes from the same vineyard as the Harcourt Syrah. There is also a fair dollop of Roussanne in the blend, from the same site. Following previous practice with this wine, the grapes were picked fully ripe, pressed hard and sent straight to barrel (500 and 228-litre) for fermentation and aging. Primary fermentation and malolactic were left to happen naturally. After 12 months in cask, the wine was racked to tank for an additional 10 months, before the wine was bottled at the start of February 2023.
As with previous releases, this wine is the opposite of what you would typically expect of an Australian Marsanne regarding harvesting dates, winemaking and style. It will certainly age well—gaining more and more honeyed characters—but it’s delicious now. Rob and Remi believe this to be their best ‘Rhône’ white thus far. Who are we to disagree? It has the same power and richness of previous releases yet with perhaps more vibrancy thanks to Harcourt’s granitic soils and climate, as well as the inclusion of some Roussanne. - Winemaker Note
An increased focus on the environment and an awareness of sustainable agriculture have given rise to a huge increase in organic viticulture. This is an exciting area of growth in the world of wine, and if done right, one that leads to better wines, healthier vines and soils, and less stress on the earth.
But what makes a wine organic?
Organic wine refers to a method of farming, rather than winemaking. It all starts in the vineyard, where vignerons and viticulturalists no longer use synthetic or systemic pesticides, herbicides or fertilisers. Instead they opt for organic compounds such as copper and sulfur, which can help reduce he pressure of disease and pests. This results in much better vine and soil health, with no unwanted chemicals leeching into local rivers and waterways through run-off.
Organic farming is not to be confused with Biodynamic farming which, although similar, is a different approach and requires many more specific practices. These practices such as specific soil preparations, and lunar-cycle harvesting are not necessary to achieve an organic system.
It is important to note that organic wines can still have sulphur dioxide added to them. Sulphur is an organic compound, and therefore winemakers are free to add it to their wines, and still achieve organic certification. Winemakers will often add sulphur to help stabilise the wine and protect it from oxygen come bottling time. The wine will still be completely organic, assuming the proper farming practices have been adhered to.
| Product Type | Wine White Viognier Marsanne Roussanne & Friends |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | Victoria |
| Sub Region | Heathcote |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |