As a country that enjoys warm to hot summers, it is remarkable that it has taken so long to recognise that there is a place for brisk, light-heeled summery red wines. In some ways, it goes against our tradition, one that was started in warm climate regions such as the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale.
In the past decade or so there has been a collective lightening up of wine Australia – lighter, brighter and fresher have become the order of the day. This has not come at the expense of ripeness, though it is fair to say that acidity plays a more prominent and positive role. For those who value drinkability, refreshment and compatibility with food, this shift in philosophy has been a positive one.
Adelaide Hills winery Brackenwood, located in the hills above McLaren Vale, seems to be very much in keeping with the times. It’s biodynamically farmed Gamay and Pinot Noir blend weighs in at a modest 12.2% alcohol by volume. It is light on its feet, fresh and bright. It might not be tremendously complex, but that isn’t the point here; this is a wine that is about sheer drinkability. In that respect, it delivers in spades.
2016 BRACKENWOOD GAMAY PINOT NOIRProducer: Brackenwood Vineyard
Variety: Gamay, Pinot Noir
Region: Adelaide Hills, South Australia
ABV: 12.2%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $24.00
Date tasted: 22 January 2017
Tasting Note:
Transparent cherry red. Straightforward nose of pomegranate and strawberry. Light on its feet, polite and genteel. Savoury. Delicate red fruits. Light bright and easy. Good summer red.
Score: 15.5/20
In the past decade or so there has been a collective lightening up of wine Australia – lighter, brighter and fresher have become the order of the day. This has not come at the expense of ripeness, though it is fair to say that acidity plays a more prominent and positive role. For those who value drinkability, refreshment and compatibility with food, this shift in philosophy has been a positive one.
Adelaide Hills winery Brackenwood, located in the hills above McLaren Vale, seems to be very much in keeping with the times. It’s biodynamically farmed Gamay and Pinot Noir blend weighs in at a modest 12.2% alcohol by volume. It is light on its feet, fresh and bright. It might not be tremendously complex, but that isn’t the point here; this is a wine that is about sheer drinkability. In that respect, it delivers in spades.
2016 BRACKENWOOD GAMAY PINOT NOIRProducer: Brackenwood VineyardVariety: Gamay, Pinot Noir
Region: Adelaide Hills, South Australia
ABV: 12.2%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $24.00
Date tasted: 22 January 2017
Tasting Note:
Transparent cherry red. Straightforward nose of pomegranate and strawberry. Light on its feet, polite and genteel. Savoury. Delicate red fruits. Light bright and easy. Good summer red.
Score: 15.5/20
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