THE WINES
85%-ish Grenache, 10% Syrah, last few % Carignan and Cinsault, from soils with a higher clay component. Wild fermented in tank, then aged in concrete on fine lees before bottling.
Stewed plums and some stony minerality lead the nose, with its trademark wild ferment olde worlde pong; the contrast of this wine is the clean and beautifully fruited palate. More plums, sweet liquorice, earth and black fruits weave through the palate, over fresh but grippy tannins. As always, fun, bright, fresh and juicy – a wine of boovability, or what we Aussies would call a smasher.
on any dozen* or non dozens over $350
Any 12 bottles bought together
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Additional Information ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Domaine La Florane is an exciting find which further broadens the options of excellent Southern Rhône wines available in Australia. The 35 hectare property is situated on a south-facing slope at the highest point of the Visan appellation (elevation is 195 – 320 metres), viticulture is certified organic (biodynamic practice) and the winery has been purpose built to maximize use of gravity, with wines matured in wood and concrete. A key philosophy is that no stylistic blending is practiced at the estate – the same blocks make up the same cuvées each year, showcasing the season.
Few Visan wines are seen in Australia. The hilly village is located around 10km north of Cairanne, with vines grown in clay-limestone soils. Domaine La Florane’s terroir is gravelly and scattered with large round pebbles; its aspect and high limestone content coupled with the steady mistral wind raises wines of freshness and invigorating natural acidity. Visan was granted Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation status in 1966.
ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Biodynamic Minimal Intervention Wines From A Beautiful Adelaide Hills Estate
Owner Damon Nagel started life as a sommelier in Adelaide, moving to London to further his wine education whilst working in top end dining restaurants. Achieving success in London property, he would eventually return to Adelaide, purchasing the beautiful undulating Brackenwood farm in the early 2000s, first releasing wines from vintage 2005.
Winemaking is today overseen by Daniel Zuzolo, ex Primo Estate, with the stable offering interesting blends and lesser seen plantings of Barbera and Gamay alongside more traditional offerings such as Shiraz and Riesling.
Growing and winemaking is strictly along biodynamic lines, with no additions bar minimal sulphur at bottling. A pure set of releases very much at home alongside Felixir’s European offerings, fun styles of personality with enough depth and interest to be taken seriously.
