Tscharke Gnadenfrei Shiraz 2015 (Barossa Valley)

Gnadenfrei is the oldest property, predominantly planted to vineyards by winemaker Damien Tscharke's Grandfather. The site is easterly facing and produces well balanced wines with fresh flavours supported by great natural acidity. Situated at 300m above sea level, the conglomerate rock formations of pink quartzite and shallow red/brown clays discourages high vigorous growth and results in low yielding vines with intensely flavoured fruit.

The hand-harvested fruit is destemmed to an open top fermenter. The must is inoculated and allowed to ferment between 22-25oC until dry. The cap is managed by pumping over twice daily without splashing and the occasional pigeage. Once primary fermentation has been completed the skins are retained to macerate for a further 7 days before being bagpressed and racked to new and seasoned French oak. The wine was bottled 19 months after harvest to ensure the style retains its vibrancy and primary fruit freshness. Winery Notes