THE WINES
Grown in Chalmers’ Merbein vineyard. Wild fermented and aged six months in neutral oak, with gentle extraction techniques to tame what can be the bony tannins of this variety. Made to be served chilled.
Both cooked and fresh raspberries, pomegranate, and a feeling of old-school confectionary: wine gums, cola bottles, Red Ripperz (formerly known as Redskins). Bright fruit is balanced by a medicinal bittering edge, think cough lolly impressions. Fine tannins give depth, a refreshing though unmistakably vinous expression of chilled red. Big tick.
on any dozen* or non dozens over $350
Any 12 bottles bought together
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Additional Information ABOUT THE PRODUCER
In Japanese, Rongo refers to the Analects of Confucius, a masterwork of philosophy that has guided East Asian culture and thought for more than 2,500 years. It stands, at heart, for living benevolently, ethically, and in harmony with one’s surroundings.
In Māori, Rongo is a verb meaning to perceive, to hear, feel, smell, and taste. Through no coincidence, is also the nickname of Rongo-mā-Tāne, the Māori god of Agriculture and Peace.
Ray Chen’s nascent label feels like it’s hit a stride with this set of releases; there’s a consistent theme running through the wines of texture and detail, and a tonne of personality and originality. These wines are a nexus of classical and lofi winemaking sensibilities, adventurous and squeaky clean.
Ray’s multi-national upbringing sees the wines informed by Asian/eastern dining – the possibilities for creative matching with this lineup are immense.
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.
