Los Hermanos 2010 Homenaje a Cataluna

Fruit

Fruit for this Catalonian blend (41% Tempranillo, 39% Mataro, 20% Garnacha) was entirely grown at our cool climate vineyard alongside our winemaking facility, 20 mins drive north of the Mornington Peninsula at Patterson Lakes in Victoria.

Harvest

All portions of fruit were hand harvested on the following dates and with the following analysis.

Tempranillo: 3 March, 13.0 Be       Mataro: 29 March, 13.2 Be      Garnacha: 29 March, 13.6 Be

Winemaking

Each parcel of grapes was immediately destemmed to small open fermenters upon arrival at the winery where they were allowed to warm and spontaneously commence fermentation with natural or 'wild' yeast. The individual fermenters were macerated by hand 3 times daily to help with flavour and tannin extraction. After ensuring a maximum temperature of 33C was achieved during the peak of ferment, the grapes were pressed at dryness before being settled for 48 hours and racked to 3rd use oak hogs heads and barriques. Kept separate for the duration of their 10 month ageing period, the final blending of the 3 individual varieties took place in January 2011 before a light filtration and bottling. Fining agents were not used during the production of this wine.

Bottling

February 2011. Sealed under screw cap.

Technical Information

Alc. Vol : 13.5%
Residual sugar : <1 gms. per litre (dry)
Ph : 3.42
Total acidity : 6.97gms. per litre

Personal tasting notes by Rollo Crittenden

Paying homage to a classic Catalonian red blend this wine spans a spectrum of characters with the result being far greater than merely the sum of its parts. With cool climate influences at the core of all three components, the Tempranillo brings rich berry fruit characters and strong savoury tannins, while both Mataro and Garnacha provide the spice and elegance. Juicy natural acidity helps to lift and lengthen the palate while the absence of new oak use during the ageing process ensures the wine dispalys a sense of place rather than winemaker influence. This limited release wine is an exciting addition to the Los Hermanos range and will be the perfect accompaniment to rabbit or game dishes.  

Cellaring

Although drinking well in its youth, this wine should reward those who are patient enough to cellar for up to five years.