Winemakers Comments
Half the fruit for this baby comes from an incredible vineyard in the King Valley, nestled at an altitude of 350m amid the foothills at Myrrhee and meticulously cared for by Dave Cavicchiolo. Planted in 1978 and one of the first vineyards planted in the region. The other half is from a gorgeous block in the Alpine Valley owned and run by brothers Tim and Mark Walpole, both gurus of growing fantastic Sangiovese. The beauty of this wine stems from both these parcels, and we feel very fortunate to work alongside them to create a wine we are incredibly proud to share with you.
The Cloak Sangiovese
What grape varieties are in this wine?
100% Sangiovese.
Where are the grapes grown?
King Valley and Alpine Valley's, North East Victoria.
What does it smell like?
This Sangiovese sweeps you off your feet with cherry, alpine strawberries, and complexing hints of five spice and chilli chocolate, making it aromatic and enchanting…just like a handsome knight on a rearing stallion.
How about the taste?
It’s vibrant and mouth filling – cherries and blood plums, balanced by bright acidity with velvety tannins providing subtle support.
What food goes with it?
The higher acidity and tannin structure of Sangiovese makes it ideal for pairing with charred meat, charcuterie and tomato based pasta dishes. Spaghetti Arrabiata is one of our favourites!
How is it made?
The grapes were delicately harvested in the cool of the dawn, then transported to the winery and immediately de-stemmed into an open top fermenter. The juice remained on skins for 15 days with gentle plunging to extract all the goodness without over extracting the tannins. Then put it in old oak barrels before racking, fining and bottling.
For the wine geeks!
Does this wine spend any time in oak barrels?
Yes - all older red oak barriques for this guy.
Analysis
Alcohol 13.2%
Acid 5.88g/L
pH 3.38
Sugar 0.27g/L
What The Critics Are Saying …
“Medium ruby-red core into a very bright and purple rim. Cherry juice, thyme and dry earth aromatics. Light and vibrant on the palate, with cherry fruit and smoky-char notes across the middle that is controlled by a hit of gravelly tannins. Not overly complex but a very easy-drinking red. Chill it slightly and order a pizza.”
— Stuart Knox, The Real Review, 12 June, 2021
“this is all about gluggability and sheer enjoyment. All cherry and berries, pips and a smudge of oak char with the fruit soft across the lighter-framed palate. Juicy with bright enough acidity and just enough oomph from the tannins.”
— Jane Faulkner, James Halliday - Halliday Wine Companion 2022