2011 Jester Vermentino
Jester Vermentino is crisp and fresh. The grapes are harvested early, which results in lower sugars, balanced acidity and an excellent flavour profile. At the completion of fermentation the wine shows a seemlessly dry style with extremely approachable alcohol.
Vermentino's name is derived from the French court of Philip the Good of Burgundy, Madame d'Or, served as a fool in the 1400's. The belief in medieval days that buffoonery was one of few professions open to women is dispelled by this beautiful golden haired dwarf Jester. She was often described as pugnacious and outspoken conversely she possessed an exquisite voice and a devotion to music and dance. As she was openly favoured by Queen Isabella, Madame d'Or wore only the finest tailored attire, most notably a long dress of green Kendal woollen cloth.
CLOSURE • Stelvin
COLOUR • Pallid straw yellow, with light green inflection
NOSE • Fresh lifted fruit, with notes of melon and citrus and a slightly spiced
edge
PALATE • Classic minerality and texture is complemented by refreshing balanced
acidity rounding out to an elongated finish
CELLARING • Drink young and fresh
Wine Specs
Vintage
2010
Varietal
Vermentino
Harvest Date
21st February 2010
PH
3.06
Bottling Date
13th April 2010
Residual Sugar
0.8 g/L
Tannin
6.05 g/L
Alcohol %
10
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Pallid straw yellow in colour with light greenish inflection, 2010 Jester Vermentino shows classic minerality and texture. It presents fresh lifted fruit, with notes of melon and citrus and a slightly spiced edge. Refreshing, balanced acidity rounds out to an elongated finish.
Ratings
90 points - Wine & Spirits
89 points - Wine Spectator
89 points - James Halliday
Awards
Best McLaren Vale White Wine - 2010 Winegrapes Australia McLaren Vale Wine Show
Silver Medal - 2010 Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show
Vineyard Notes
The vineyards are in the Willunga district in the southern end of McLaren Vale. The heavy grey loam soil over sandstone, intermixed with black Biscay clay, combined with a maritime climate, contribute to an even ripening period and the development of rich fruit flavours and ripe tannins.
Production Notes
McLaren Vale experienced a mild growing season with ideal conditions for budburst and flowering. Most inland regions had a reduction in set due to a burst of heat in November however in McLaren Vale, due to it’s proximity to the ocean, the effects were nullified. Good early season rainfall contributed to the already rejuvenated water table and the fruit ripened evenly without any heat stress. Cool nights and mild days allowed good acid maintenance, keeping the fruit bright and flavoursome but above all, balanced.
Winemaker Notes
The fruit for 2010 Jester Vermentino was crushed, destemmed and chilled to 3 degrees prior to pressing. Minimal skin contact has resulted in minimised phenolic pickup. The juice was cold settled for five days before being racked and yeasted with an Alsace derived yeast clone. It was then fermented ultra-cool at between 8 and 12 degrees for 16 days. Once fermentation concluded the wine was immediately cold stabilised and filtered before bottling.
Food Pairing Notes
Grilled Scallops served with mango, coriander and lime salsa
