Next Gen Montepulciano 2023

BACKGROUND

We planted our single vineyard of Montepulciano in 2010, experimenting with a variety that thrives in the heat, needing little water to produce great quality fruit. Watching this young vineyard mature, our 3^rd generation winemaker Peter Collett realised how much this high yielding, late ripening grape variety suits the McLaren Vale Mediterranean climate. He then decided that rather than creating our traditional full-bodied style of wine, we’d scale back the fullness and allow for a lighter expression of fruit and varietal character. Our Next Gen Montepulciano marks a new generation of both winemaking and grape growing at Woodstock Wines.

WINEMAKING

Montepulciano is usually the last variety to be picked, and 2023 was no exception. 2023 was a long, and arduous vintage with fortnightly and sometimes weekly rains affecting harvesting schedules. Luckily our fruit was able to ripen up and get into fermenter without any issue. This wine spent 5 days on skins before pressing and maturation. We moved from using oak for maturation to using purely stainless steel, finding that tank maturation keeps this style wine clean and vibrant. Minimal fining and filtration was used and the wine was bottled young to retain freshness.

TASTING NOTE

Bright crimson in colour, this young and juicy style of Montepulciano displays mixed purple fruit aromas combined with an almost menthol herbaceous character. The palate displays brightness with confectionery red fruit, complexing spicy notes and soft yet crunchy tannins. Drink this wine young, with pizza and your best pals!

FROM THE WINEMAKER

'Since I became involved in the winemaking in 2018, Dad and I have often quarrelled over this grape variety. Pick it too late and it becomes a 16% alcohol monster, pick it too early and it lacks animation, tasting almost lifeless. The result of vintage 2023 is a wine that strikes great balance, having held on the vine just long enough but not too long!' - Peter Collett

Vegan Friendly