Rutherglen Estate Sangiovese 2022

The fruit is grown on the De Bortoli Shelley’s Vineyard on the eastern edge of the Rutherglen region. Two clones of Sangiovese were planted to add complexity. The site is slightly undulating with an interesting gravel, clay and alluvial soil mix.

2022 was a slightly cooler than average year but without any extreme heat. With higher than average rainfall the vines grew well in Rutherglen. Due to regular rainfall events and a mild summer it was a stressful but ultimately rewarding year in Rutherglen for our white wines and roses. Our reds were more elegant with tighter structure.

The Rutherglen Estate Sangiovese grapes are grown on our small, low yielding, super-premium estate vineyard. The grapes were harvested and crushed in the cool of the morning before fermenting on skins for 7 days. The wine was then pressed and aged in a mix of older French and American Hogsheads and Puncheons barrels for ten months. The time in oak is important to accentuate both the bright cherry notes, the naturally spicy and savoury characters whilst helping to soften the chewy grainy tannins.