Winemaker Notes
Chapel Hill Winery borders the stunning Onkaparinga River National Park; they value and respect their unique surrounds, their land and vines. Their focus is on soil health to build resilience and character in their vines and consequently, the wines. One of the first to embrace the McLaren Vale Sustainable Australia Winegrowing program and are continually improving their grape-growing practices. Rainwater is collected from the winery roofs for use in the winery. Winery waste water is treated via a wetlands system and used for irrigation. All of the organic material from the winemaking process (skins, seeds and stems), is composted onsite and spread on the vineyard, negating the need for synthetic fertilisers. Vineyard operations have been modified to minimise the impact on beneficial insects, helping to maintain a natural balance to prevent pest and disease outbreaks. Volunteer cover crops have been encouraged to reduce evaporation and protect the precious soils. Their sustainable farming practices result in fruit that articulates the wonderful characteristics of McLaren Vale.
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”