2010 Sparkling Shiraz Durif

ENJOY ... Our sparkling red is the perfect complement to any special occasion, or ideal with Christmas turkey and New Year celebrations. Also makes a great accompaniment to any rich and hearty meal.

CELLAR ... up to 18 months, but perfect for celebrating with now.

PRONUNCIATION ... Shiraz [shee-rahz], Durif [dyoor-if; DUR-if]

Vintage conditions
The 2010 season was very different to the previous three years in our vineyards. The season began with the threat of another dry year- above average temperatures and long term drought conditions continued to put the vines under stress. Conditions eased during vintage with regular rainfall in February and March, resulting in generally mild to warm daily temperatures. Although a slight decrease in overall yields the favourable ripening conditions for the fruit encouraged the development of varietal flavours and characteristics.

Tasting notes
Made from two of Rutherglen’s iconic red grape varieties in a blend of Shiraz and Durif, we have added the ‘sparkles’ via the traditional ‘methode champenoise’, with secondary fermentation in the bottle.

Fresh fruit flavours and aromas of pepper, spice, chocolate and anise fill the mouth and then linger with a subtle touch of residual fruit sweetness. This wine is a mouthful of flavour and fizz, and is the perfect complement to any celebratory occasion.

Winemaking
Separate batches of Shiraz and Durif wines were selected and blended to produce a fresh, fruit driven and intensely flavoured dry red base wine with great balance and soft rounded tanins. The wine was then bottled with a touch of sugar and yeast, and allowed to undergo secondary fermentation to produce the ‘fizz’. It was left to sit for six months before the removal of the yeast and dosage or ‘sweetening’ with a small amount of liqueured vintage port.

Wine detail & analysis
Varieties  75% Shiraz, 25% Durif
Region  Rutherglen, North East Victoria
Harvest date  March 2010
Release date  February 2012
Alcohol  14.5%
Oak treatment  25% had 6 months maturation with French oak
Total acid  5.6g/L
pH  3.52
Residual sugar  approx 30g/L

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 Grape Hunter, Gilbert Labour, September 2012
Rutherglen Estates Sparkling Shiraz Durif 2010
Durif, a grape variety commonly accepted as synonymous with the Rutherglen region, adds heft and depth to this Shiraz Durif blend.
Chief winemaker Marc Scalzo and the Rutherglen Estates winemaking team have nurtured this wine to a redfruit-driven, rich and savoury delivery.
This drop will appeal to both the established appreciators of this style as well as the younger market.
Traditionally accepted as an ideal match to richer poultry and game dishes as well as to chocolate based desserts, it nonetheless delivers plenty of mouth-filling pleasure when enjoyed by itself as well as with Tamari almonds and charcuterie.
Price: 26.95

GOLD  Rutherglen Wine Show 2012

BRONZE  Victorian Wine Show 2012