Rutherglen Estate Shelley's Block Marsanne Viognier Rousanne 2019

Winemaking Notes

The fruit for Rutherglen Estate Shelley's Block Marsanne Viognier Roussanne 2019 is grown on the De Bortoli Shelley's Vineyard on the eastern edge of the Rutherglen region. The site has interesting gravel, clay and alluvial soil mix. The wine was fermented using a mix of tank fermentation and French oak barrels. Following fermentation, the wine was then aged on lees for 7 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. This winemaking approach creates a wine with pale straw colour and green hues, complex aromas of citrus, spice, apricot, ginger, hazelnut and dry herbs, and a palate with beautiful length and structure, soft texture, with nutty, citrus and delicate spice notes. The combination of French oak barrel fermentation and extended lees ageing adds complexity and texture whilst maintaining the wine's natural fruit character. Modern classic winery, with respect for tradition. Situated in the north-east corner of Victoria, Rutherglen is one of the most progressive and diverse viticultural regions in Australia.

Vintage Conditions

The start of spring held promise with warmer than average temperatures but small and regular rain meant that growth was even and strong. In December and January temperatures were significantly higher than average with December being 3.5 degrees above and January being 5.7 degrees above the long term average. This placed a strain on the vines, and with careful monitoring and irrigation they got through the January period with reduced berry size and yields but in reasonable condition. Careful vineyard management of both vine canopy and irrigation was the key. The 2019 vintage produced a wine with pale straw colour and green hues, complex aromas of citrus, spice, apricot, ginger, hazelnut and dry herbs, and a palate with beautiful length and structure, soft texture, with nutty, citrus and delicate spice notes. The combination of warmer temperatures, careful vineyard management and reduced berry size created ideal conditions for producing a Rhône-style white blend with concentration, complexity and bright zesty fruit profile. The Rutherglen Estate was acquired by the iconic De Bortoli Family Wines in 2018, and is the world leader in production of fortified wines. One of the most progressive and diverse viticultural regions in Australia, Rutherglen is also recognised for producing premium quality red wines and many European white varietals.