2021 - Chateau da Swan - Grenache

Qvevri Fermented Grenache

Swan Valley 

Zero additions 

Our best patch of Grenache in the vineyard is held in reserve for the Chateau da Swan (CdS). This patch received some leaf-plucking by hand in late November/early December in order to prevent the spread of powdery mildew in a difficult growing season. We selectively chose immaculate bunches from this hand-plucked section and ensured that only the highest quality fruit went through the crusher/destemmer into the qvevri for ferment. 

The 2021 fruit attained a slightly higher level of sugar ripeness at a comparable phenological ripeness when compared to the 2020 CdS. This definitely translates into the glass.

Picked on January 31st 2021. Processing was delayed somewhat
due to an active bushfire that threatened the Swan Valley from February 1st onward. Our hosts Bree and Paul at Swan Valley Wines evacuated on Tuesday February 2nd. Thankfully their family was unharmed, their homes and winery survived unscathed, and we were able to process our nicely chilled fruit, free of smoke taint, on the evening of Thursday February 4th, with a still smouldering Jumbuck Hill above Bells Rapids as our backdrop. 

On skins for 10 days in qvevri, a temperate and active ferment, as is usual in that vessel. Plunged once a day, and the thermodynamics of the ferment in the qvevri seem to allow for extraction of powerful but well-structured phenolics. This wine always appears angular at pressing, but its potential is never in doubt. It was pressed back to the qvevri, and sealed up for 7 months for élevage. Racked once under inert gas, and bottled with no adds. 

The Chateau makes a triumphant return in this release boasting warming acidity, stewed stone fruits, and bashful tannins. As always we adore our qvevri and the generous round profile it produces. Naked Grenache, a true expression of our terroir – something rarely seen in Genache wines from Swan Valley. Proudly 6056.