McLaren Vale perfect for Mediterranean grape varieties, says winemaker
Winemakers at McLaren Vale's Hedonist say the region is perfect for growing Mediterranean grape varieties, after adding a Tempranillo and Sangiovese to its range.
Winemakers at McLaren Vale's Hedonist say the region is perfect for growing Mediterranean grape varieties, after adding a Tempranillo and Sangiovese to its range.
The Hedonist team say McLaren Vale perfect for growing Mediterranean grapes(Left to right) Winemaker Walter Clappis, daughter Kimberly Cooter and son-in-law James Cooter have been producing the varieties since 2011, and have now released their Tempranillo and Sangiovese to a wider audience.
The vineyard has now released the new varietals to the UK market via distributor Awin Barrat Siegel.
Winemaker Walter Clappis, daughter Kimberly Cooter and son-in-law James Cooter have been producing the varieties since 2011, and are now confident of the suitability of these two grapes varieties to the McLaren Vale region.
Clappis says making the decision to grow these varieties was obvious when you compare the climate of McLaren Vale to the Mediterranean. "They both have long hot and dry summers which are cooled by evening sea breezes and cold winters. The Hedonist vineyard is elevated 315 feet and Spencer's Gulf is visible. Olives and almonds grow extremely well in our area which further substantiates that we enjoy a Mediterranean climate and environment".
2011 was the first vintage for both Tempranillo and Sangiovese, only 200 cases of each were produced and they were quickly sold out. Production remains small, but Tempranillo has now grown to 500 cases. Clappis said the increasing demand shows "our decision to plant Mediterranean varieties was sound and is starting to pay off".
Michael Awin of ABS said: "These are wonderful wines which demonstrate the versatility that is coming from Australia at present, in the capable hands of Walter and team I have no doubt they will seduce as many consumers as the Hedonist Shiraz has done in the last few years".
Back in August Liberty Wines added Australia's La Linea to its portfolio, which managing director David Gleave MW said demonstrates the potential for Tempranillo in Australia's Adelaide Hills area.
The Hedonist Tempranillo and Sangiovese are available through Awin Barratt Siegel Wine Agencies and independent retailers priced around £15.75. The Hedonist Shiraz is available in Waitrose priced at £13.99.
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56-58 Church Walk, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9AN
Registered in England No. 6646125. VAT No. 938 4452 95
