From the Winery: Embracing gentle fermentation techniques

Alex syphons off some of the wine into a watering can and gently pours it over the top to wet the cap of the fermenting grapes.

As the 2025 vintage unfolds, we're embracing a minimalist approach to red winemaking, focusing on gentle extraction and attentive cap management to craft wines with elegance and depth.

During fermentation, we employ a unique method to manage the cap - the layer of grape skins and solids that rises to the top due to carbon dioxide production. As an alternative to traditional pump-overs or punch-downs, Alex has been gently siphoning fermented wine into a watering can and softly pouring it over the cap. This technique, akin to the aerated pump-over but even more delicate, ensures the cap remains moist but with minimal disruption. This is all about feeding the wild yeasts enough oxygen, while preserving the purity of the fruit and expressing the site on which the grapes were grown.

Preserving whole berries for subtle extraction

Our fermentation process emphasises minimal intervention. Whole berries ferment on the inside with limited disruption, except for a single punch-down midway through fermentation. This approach creates delicate aromatics, adding another layer of complexity to the wine.

Extended maceration for enhanced complexity

Post-fermentation, we allow the wines to remain in contact with the grape skins - a practice known as extended maceration. This period can vary but it helps enhance the wine's colour, flavour, and tannin structure. Extended maceration promotes the polymerisation of tannins, resulting in a softer mouthfeel and greater aging potential.

Daily monitoring for optimal maturation

Each day, we observe subtle changes in the wines' character - it’s a lot of tasting! Alex carefully monitors mouthfeel and flavour development to determine the optimal moment to press the wines and transfer to barrels. This attentive approach ensures we capture the desired balance and complexity in the final product.

Through these gentle and deliberate techniques, we're crafting red wines that reflect both the integrity of the fruit and our commitment to thoughtful winemaking practices.