2023 Renzaglia Sangiovese

Made with grapes from the pioneers of alternate varietals in Mudgee, First Ridge. We received 2 tonnes top notch Sangiovese from them in 2023, our first pick of the season. Grapes were hand picked by a small crew.

The wine was fermented by wild yeasts in 2 parcels. 1 was in one of our 500L stoneware amphoras as whole berries, it was held on skins for 1 month prior to being racked back to the 500L amphora. The other component was fermented in stainless steel with a combination of whole bunch, whole berry and crushed berries. It was held on skins for 3 weeks prior to being pressed and sent to old oak and puncheons. A blend of 1000L was brough together t with the fine lees after 5 months and consisting of all of the 500L amphora component and the puncheon.

The blend was held here for a further 5 months before being bottled without any fining or filtration in February 2024.

TECHNICAL DETAI

Alcohol: 13.1%

Bottles made: 1293

TASTING NOTES

This is sensational. Tightly wound, as light as pinot noir or pelaverga, a touch of crunch, sinewy, powdery tannins stretching luxuriously. A distinct, red berry fruitiness with favourable, pleasing bitterness in tow. Indeed, a feature through the wine is its refreshing nature of spice, bitter notes, tannin profile, all so well resolved and deliciously wound around each other. Compact, fine boned sangio done so well.

94 points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front