Select another wine

Somos Wines

2019

Vermentino

McLaren Vale - Australia
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

The Somos’ boys are at it again and this time with the epitome of textural Mediterranean varieties, Vermentino. They have mucked around a bit with a lot or two in a few blends over the years but were unable to pin down the style and block for which to make a varietal wine. That all changed in 2019 when Paxton’s biodynamic Gateway Vineyard in Seaview had a few rows available. This site planted in 1997 retains all of the classic sea-spray aromatics of this Sardinian variety. The texture is always there with Vermentino but keeping the acid line in check is the balancing act, especially in McLaren Vale. It was picked early enough to retain that acid but through barrel fermentation and lees aging was able to enhance the complexity and texture of the grape.

The fruit was hand-harvested and gently basket pressed directly into old French barriques, with about 10% of the clusters being destemmed but the berries left intact for a skin fermented lot. Fermentation kicked off almost immediately and the skin contact portion was pressed after 10 days. The lots were aged on the gross lees for nine months, really developing the minerally aromatic notes associated with sur-lie aging. It was bottled without fining and just with a very coarse filtration and small addition of sulfur. The wine was held back in bottle for an additional three months prior to release.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Vermentino
  • Vineyard: Paxton's 'Gateway Vineyard'
  • Vine Age: 22-years-old
  • Soil Type: Shallow sandy loam over limestone
  • Viticulture: Certified Biodynamic
  • Fermentation: Native - barrel fermented (10% being skin fermented whole-berry)
  • Skin Contact: 10 days (10% of the fermentation)
  • Aging: 9 months in old French barriques
  • Alcohol: 12.3%
  • pH: 3.44
  • Total Acidity: 5.18 g/L
  • Total SO2: 32 ppm
  • Total Production: 140 cases
  • UPC: 9350675000272

Tasting Note

Translucent light straw in color. Aromas of candied lemon, saltwater, the lemon note coming back but with the more bitter piths, a scant note of fresh herb dusted macadamia nuts and the scent of a warm summer rain on a sidewalk. The texture is the first thing that jumps out on the palate and there is a lot of it, bordering on creamy, but not dense in the least. The wine is svelte and quite satiny with a little grip that keeps the plate evolving. The finish is penetrating and broad, truly a superb wine here.

Press & Reviews

James Suckling

92

"Such effortless style here with aromas of fresh lemons and fresh herbs, leading to a pithy palate that has plenty of weight, creamy texture and bright acidity. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink now."
- Nick Stock

The WIne Front

95

"From Paxton vineyard comes this beautfully labeled and great drinking wine. Hangs in old oak, some skin contact prior (ten days). Scents of preserved lemon, sea spray, faint nuttiness, warm slate. Lovely start. Such good texture – wow – sleek and slippery with just a little grip and chew. More preserved lemon, savoury nuttiness, saline finish. Almost high quality chardonnay-like complexity here. Superb wine here of complexity and interest and deliciousness."
- Mike Bennie

Producer


Somos Wines

Region


McLaren Vale

Country


Australia

Have a question or want to drop a line?

Contact Us