Willunga 100 Shiraz / Voignier 2006
Shiraz Voignier
PRODUCER
Willunga 100 is in the McLaren Vale region, south of Adelaide. The wines come from a range of vineyards, including some over 50 years old, which can produce a magnificent array of aromas and flavours. In the 100-year old winery, modern equipment is used alongside traditional winemaking techniques, including open-top fermenters. Willunga 100 produces unique and distinctive wines, which capture the essence of the region.
VINEYARD
Sandy soils provide lifted aromatics, and darker soils including ‘Terra Rossa’ types contribute to rich, bold tannins. All the vineyards are managed to produce the highest quality possible with only the best parcels selected for Willunga 100. McLaren Vale has a warm Mediterranean climate with a strong cooling influence from the Gulf of St Vincent.
VINIFICATION
Parcels of Shiraz were harvested in March with the Viognier component ripening slightly later, (late March) to ensure that Viognier is fully ripened to ensure quality integration with the Shiraz. Each parcel from the different vineyards was fermented separately, using a mixture of open fermenters and stainless steel pump-over tanks. A warm fermentation temperature combined with regular pump-overs and plunging ensured optimum extraction. Viognier was co-fermented with Shiraz in open fermenters where it was plunged and pumped over at least twice per day. Only the best parcels were selected to produce an opulent, structured wine, which was then matured in French and American oak. A small portion of the wine was fermented in new French oak to add complexity to the blend.
VINTAGE
The 2006 vintage was characterised by lower crops, especially of the red grapes, but excellent quality levels. There was a heatwave in January and a little rain at harvest but the McLaren Vale fruit was particularly good.
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