The Hedonist Reserve Shiraz, Walter Clappis Wine Co

Description

The Hedonist Reserve Shiraz is an organic / biodynamic red wine made by Walter Clappis wines in the McLaren Vale wine-growing region.

Walter Clappis has been making wine for 25 years and is considered to be one of Australia’s most outstanding winemakers – he is the only winemaker to have ever won the coveted Dan Murphy Trophy three times. Walter Clappis has always made wine employing the most traditional methods: open vat fermentation and basket pressing with fermentation usually being completed in small oak barrels. This method is adopted to increase the overall complexity and integration of oak through the wine. Now he farms his vineyards bio-dynamically and does not use pesticides or herbicides. The emphasis of bio-dynamics is on promoting soil health and maintaining a balanced and diverse population of soil biology. All the wines reflect a purity of fruit which is consistent with the Winemaker and his philosophies. Today Walter has been joined in wine-making by his daughter, Kimberly, and her partner James Cooter.

The fruit for The Hedonist Reserve Shiraz comes from an organic / biodynamic certified vineyard from Kangarilla, McLaren Vale. Producing a slightly cooler climate expression of McLaren Vale fruit due predominantly to its higher altitude. The grapes are fermented with indigenous yeast after gentle destemming – no crushing. Fermentation continued at up to 24 degrees Centigrade to retain as much primary fruit freshness as possible. The ferment was lightly pressed after 14 days on skin. Fermentation was completed in 100% carefully selected new French Oak for 12 months before being racked into seasoned French oak for an additional 12 months. True to it’s ‘Reserve’ title, this wine is only released when Clappis deems it has achieved a certain calibre. Bottle with minimal sulphur added. No fining.

Certified Biodynamic (NASAA Certified Organic).