Bethany Estate Chardonnay 2016

Tasting Notes

Blended from estate grown Chardonnay just below the winery and fruit from a trusted grower in Eden Valley, this wine shows the classic fruit weight and elegance of the Barossa region. The nose has lemon and green apple skin notes plus a light spice character from subtle use of French oak during fermentation and maturation. Lees stirring provides the palate with a textural quality that gives pace and weight to the orchard fruits and oak spice. The finish is fresh, balanced and long. Perfect with antipasto, seafood in a cream sauce or soft cheeses.

Vintage Comments

The 2016 vintage is showing strong indications of being a standout vintage boasting higher than average yields and fruit of excellent quality.

The growing season was characterised by low winter and spring rainfall, followed by a warm December reducing bunch weights. A refreshing break in the weather on the 21st of January saw 1.5 inches of rain fall on our Bethany vineyards. These milder temperatures continued into February allowing for slow ripening conditioning with the whites retaining a good balance of acidity and sugar ripeness. Harvest started at Bethany on the 25th of January with Semillon from our Manse and Bethanien blocks.

Winemaker’s Report

The grapes received were crushed and pressed immediately after the fruit was harvested in the night before it was settled to clarify the juice. The juice cold fermented in stainless steel for 14 days at 12-15C, with selected yeast. It was then fermented in French oak and then left on lees and stirred to add further complexity to the style.

Vineyard Notes

The fruit is sourced from the Schrapel family vineyards in the Barossa Valley on the slopes of the Barossa Ranges, and neighbouring vineyards in Eden Valley.

Eden Valley is a cool climate region nestled between 400 and 600 meters above sea level and is part of the Barossa and Mount Lofty Ranges. It is rough, rocky country that belies its ability to produce wines of great delicacy and finesse. The soils are derived from schistic and sedimentary rock with red clay soils and sandy, silty loams interspersed with schistic gravels.

The cooler climate of the Eden Valley allows fruit to experience longer ripening periods which is perfect for flavour accumulation and intensity. The Barossa Valley fruit offers subtle weight and a complexity of flavours to the palate structure.