Beaujolais is a region undergoing somewhat of a revival at present thanks to the efforts of a burgeoning number of talented and dedicated growers. Price inflation in other regions, particularly Burgundy to the north, has also benefited Beaujolais, as consumers seeking value have redirected their buying towards those regions that over-deliver in terms of value for money.
Much of the allure of Beaujolais can be attributed to the affinity between the Gamay grape and the region’s granitic soils. What of Gamay in Australia? Unlike the cool climate darling that is Pinot Noir, Gamay tends to be overlooked by all but a few. In view of its great drinkability and food friendliness, one wonders why it hasn’t been more widely planted.
We have previously looked at the excellent Eldridge Estate Gamay on these pages. When it comes to Gamay in Australia, Sorrenberg is generally considered to be at or near the very top of the quality scale. Biodynamically produced from a relatively mild site in Beechworth, it has the necessary building blocks for success.
The 2010 Sorrenberg Gamay is bang on the money in terms of varietal definition, but is lacking a touch for complexity and general interest at this point in time. It would be interesting to see the same wine in 3-4 years time.
2010 SORRENBERG GAMAY
Producer: Sorrenberg
Variety: Gamay
Vintage: 2010
Region: Beechworth, Victoria
Alcohol: 13.6%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: $45.00
Date tasted: 4 October 2014
Tasting Note:
Bright garnet. Open nose of red fruit (cherry, pomegranate, raspberry), slightly smoky. Dry, medium bodied, quite sweet fruited up-front. Relatively simple palate of red fruits. Lively line of acidity carries the finish, which is long and fine. Perhaps it needs more time?
Score: 15.5/20
Much of the allure of Beaujolais can be attributed to the affinity between the Gamay grape and the region’s granitic soils. What of Gamay in Australia? Unlike the cool climate darling that is Pinot Noir, Gamay tends to be overlooked by all but a few. In view of its great drinkability and food friendliness, one wonders why it hasn’t been more widely planted.
We have previously looked at the excellent Eldridge Estate Gamay on these pages. When it comes to Gamay in Australia, Sorrenberg is generally considered to be at or near the very top of the quality scale. Biodynamically produced from a relatively mild site in Beechworth, it has the necessary building blocks for success.
The 2010 Sorrenberg Gamay is bang on the money in terms of varietal definition, but is lacking a touch for complexity and general interest at this point in time. It would be interesting to see the same wine in 3-4 years time.
2010 SORRENBERG GAMAY
Producer: Sorrenberg
Variety: Gamay
Vintage: 2010
Region: Beechworth, Victoria
Alcohol: 13.6%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: $45.00
Date tasted: 4 October 2014
Tasting Note:
Bright garnet. Open nose of red fruit (cherry, pomegranate, raspberry), slightly smoky. Dry, medium bodied, quite sweet fruited up-front. Relatively simple palate of red fruits. Lively line of acidity carries the finish, which is long and fine. Perhaps it needs more time?
Score: 15.5/20
No comments:
Post a Comment