BellaRiva Sangiovese Merlot 2010

Region: King Valley

Winestyle: This wine is more about style than variety. It is meant to be bright, rustic, savoury, interesting and above all, delicious.

Varieties: Sangiovese and Merlot. Both widely planted in Tuscany. Sangiovese the native Italian, Merlot originally from France . In Australia very suited to the King Valley as well as the more maritime climates. A small addition of Tempranillo from our King Valley estate for a little more ‘Mediterranean’ feel.

Vineyard: In 1994, the De Bortoli family planted the Bellariva vineyard on the King River at the base of the Victorian snowfields. The vineyard is planted on sandstone and shale deposits washed down by the river over time. It is planted with Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Sangiovese, Merlot, Tempranillo, Moscato Giallo as well as some more traditional varieties.

Tasting Note: Red with good garnet edge. Complex, slightly rustic earthy aromas, autumnal, brooding. Savoury palate with good texture and length. Dreaming pasta!

Vintage Conditions: In 2010 we experienced a warm growing season with timely rainfall. Fruit was mature and expressive at balanced alcohol and acidity levels.

Winemaking: Fruit is hand picked and fermented in 15T static fermenters for 10-12 days. The fruit is then pressed, settled and partially matured in used oak casks for 10 months before bottling. Some wine is retained in tank for freshness.

Maturation Oak: 70% of the wine is matured in used casks (3-5 years old).

Wine Analysis: Alc/Vol: 13.5%, pH: 3.57, TA: 5.7, RS: 3.0 g/L

Cellaring: Now or over the next 5 years in a good cellar.

Suggested Cuisine: Spaghetti alla Puttanesca - just the ticket!