Windy Peak Sangiovese 2008
Region
King Valley, Victoria
Appearance
Ruby red in colour with purple hues
Bouquet
Complex fruit aromas of black cherry & raisins integrated with savoury charcuterie like characters, earthiness and rusticity.
Palate
Full palate with weight, length & varietal expression. Juicy characters, defined rustic flavours and integrated drying tannins. Textural finish.
Vintage Conditions
A mild but early start to the season was followed by good spring rain and a warm January allowing fruit to be harvested at optimal maturity in March.
Winemaking
Fruit was sourced from our two King Valley estate blocks. Serious shoot and bunch thinning was followed by hand picking. 10% of the fruit was cane cut and partially vine dried to give some extra concentration and rusticity. Fruit was 100% destemmed to small static fermenters. The berries were cold macerated for 5 days prior to a 10 day ferment. The fruit was then left on skins for 3 weeks for tannin extraction and subsequent softening of the palate. 40% of the blend volume was filled to older, large format oak casks to promote evolution of the wine while avoiding too much oak flavour. The balance was held in tank for freshness.
Wine Analysis
Alc/Vol : 13.5 % pH : 3.57 TA : 5.5 g/L
Cellaring
Ready for immediate enjoyment now but will reward with cool cellaring for 3 to 5 years.
Suggested Cuisine
Try with pasta alla puttanesca
General Characteristics
Dry Medium Bodied
"WINDY Peak is a good introduction to the delights of the ‘‘blood of Jove’’ without a big outlay. It has plenty of varietal cherry and charcuterie flavours, a decent line of tannin and goes very well with classic Italian fare such as pasta and pizza."
Greg Duncan-Powell, Herald Sun and WA Sunday Times, October 2011
89 Points
"Bright hue for sangiovese; doubtless primarily from the King Valley; light-bodied, with cherry fruit neatly balanced by tropical tannins."
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011, August 2010
Sourced from the vineyards within Victoria's King Valley, this is a terrific example of sangiovese that's primed for everyday drinking. Fermentation was followed by extended time on skins in the winery, while a portion was transferred to older, large-format oak in bid to further soften and develop the wine. Expect to find smells of morrello cherry, prune, forest floor and rolling tobacco, while in your mouth it's mineral and savoury with a wash of dry, chalky tannins to finish. Spaghetti with tomato and chilli would be a perfect partner.
Matt Skinner, 2011 Wine Guide, July 2010
89 Points and 5 Star Value
"What a bargain sangiovese. Not demanding, not heavey, not at all hard to like - and not expensive. Music to our ears. Liquoricey and cherried, its meaty, spicy and toasty characters are brightened by citrussy, orange-rind flavours. Really Good DRINK 2010-2011."
Campbell Mattinson and Gary Walsh, The Big Red Wine Book 2010/11, June 2010
Copyright 2008 De Bortoli Wines. All Rights Reserved.
