Rutherglen Estate Shelley's Block Marsanne Viognier Roussanne 2022

The Rutherglen Estate Marsanne Viognier and Roussanne are grown on the De Bortoli Shelley’s Vineyard on the eastern edge of the Rutherglen region. The site has 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.

The wine was fermented using a mix of tank fermentation and French oak barrels. 59% of this wine was fermented in stainless steel with 41% fermented in french oak barrels using indigenous yeast. Of this 6% was new oak and 31% in 3 years or older oak. Following fermentation, the wine was then aged on lees in both oak and tank for 8 months. Stirring and malolactic fermentation was avoided to retain the natural acidity and drive of the wine and so not to interfere with the wine’s bright zesty fruit profile. The oak component was added to add subtle complexity, texture and weight to the wine.