TASTING NOTES
Barbera is mainly grown in Northern Italy, predominantly in Piedmont. Although traditionally Barbera was aged in large casks , modern versions are often aged in new oak barriques. The wines usually have good rich colour, are low in tannin and high in acid. Barbera ripens late and retains acidity in hot conditions, and is well suited to the warmer areas of inland Australia. The 2002 vintage was one of the coolest for many years in the Leeton region and has led to a great deal of refinement and elegance in this wine. The vineyard was hand pruned and yields strictly controlled , leading to great intensity in the fruit. After fermentation the wine was transferred to small French oak barriques that had previously been used to age our ultra premium Pinot Noir. This small oak maturation helped to provide some extra tannins and subtle "smoky" flavours to the wine, while the addition of a small portion of the Pinot Noir added length to the finish and some gamey characters . The palate exhibits the classic ripe cherry flavours of Barbera and this is complimented by the long earthy finish
that the Pinot Noir adds . The tannins are soft and lingering .
ESCARGOT 2004 ROSE
(Not released yet )
A never to be repeated wine, this Rose style is a blend of Pinot Noir from 2 vineyards in the Macedon Ranges. A small portion was from Hesket while the major component came from our own Pegeric vineyard. The last fruit at Pegeric was picked in JULY after being infected with Botrytis. Some of the fruit came from special French clones 114 and 115. A machinery breakdown at the winery caused us to change the style of wine we were aspiring to and so this unique Rose was made. Suited to Asian foods. Serve chilled.
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