Mitolo

7th Son 2020

McLaren Vale

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The wine’s name comes from Seventh Son of the Seventh Son, a folklore concept of birth right gifts of second sight, healing and luck. The Seventh Son is a testament to the quality of these two varieties, Grenache and Shiraz, in McLaren Vale and how well they can compliment each other. When blended together though these opposites provide a great foil for each other, creating a complex and intriguing wine.

VINEYARD

The Grenache portion is sourced from 75 year old biodynamic grown bush vines from the deep sands of Blewitt Springs. It provides a rustic, lighter, earthier flavor than the fruit forward, softer Shiraz portion which is sourced from the Lopresti vineyards.

WINEMAKING

To ensure optimum ripeness and expression of each variety, the Grenache, Shiraz and Sagrantino were each picked and fermented separately. All parcels were crushed and destemmed, the Shiraz and Grenache were fermented in eight tonne open and static fermenters while the Sagrantino was fermented in smaller two tonne open fermenters. Twice daily pump overs during fermentation at a cool 20 to 24°C retained aromatics and established a soft yet well-structured tannin profile with fine grained texture. Barrel matured for 20 months, the Grenache and Sagrantino parcels were kept in 100% seasoned French and American oak hogs heads, whilst the Shiraz brings a small proportion of new oak, approximately 5% to the overall blend. Natural malolactic fermentation occurred during this time. After barrel ageing the individual parcels were carefully blended to final proportions of 60% Grenache, 34% Shiraz and 6% Sagrantino. Bottled without fining and undergoing light filtration.

VINTAGE

A drier than average growing season for the third year in a row with reduced vine vigor, while very high winds in November affected fruit set and lowered yields further. December was very hot, placing stress on the vines but fortunately January brought some reprieve with cooler temps and set up a long and steady ripening period. February saw the approach of significant rain bands causing some concern, but disease pressure was kept at bay and no high uptake or splitting occurred. The trend for cooler weather continued into March for the bulk of picking. Wines remained balanced with good acidity and medium body.

TASTING NOTE

On the nose, Red, blue and black fruits, aromatic dry spices and a mineral, earthy undertone. A seamless connection between the three varieties. Medium bodied with bright cherry, raspberry, spiced plum, blackberry and mulberry all present. Succulent acidity brings a pleasing tartness, balanced by a silky textured and opulent mid palate, finishing long with fine grained gravelly tannins.

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Grenache, Shiraz

Appellation

McLaren Vale

Alcohol

14.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$40.00

Trade Materials

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