Yangarra Estate Roussanne, McLaren Vale [Organic & Biodynamic]

This is seriously distinguished McLaren Vale white, restrained yet vibrant with savoury aromatics and stone fruit flavours. Restrained nose of almond skins and a tight, tangy mandarin note on the palate. Overall, a very fine expression of Roussanne.

19-year-old Roussanne vines are planted over two blocks totaling 2.5 hectares in soils of weathered sands mixed with ironstone gravels. Yangarra shoot and bunch thin in February just before the berries begin accumulating sugar, and follow up with some leaf plucking, as the extra sunlight allows for the tannins to be tamed and ripeness to occur at lower sugar levels resulting in a more balanced and restrained style.

The grapes were hand-picked and carefully basket-pressed with only 60% of the extractable juice to eliminate any potential broadness. No sulphites were added, and the juice was transferred to the barrel without any settling or fining, where it underwent wild yeast fermentation. The wine was matured for 7 months, the lees retained and stirred monthly, with just filtration.

Good with light chicken and pork dishes, scallops and grilled turbot.