Brash Higgins 2017 ‘NDV’ Nero d’Avola-Amphora

Grafted to the BH estate Omensetter Vineyard in 2009, this seventh vintage of the drought tolerant Sicilian varietal Nero d’Avola was picked at 13 Baume in 2017 to maintain vibrancy. The transparency of the Nero d’Avola grape was preserved by using gentle, ancient techniques and naturally occurring wild yeasts. Same as the first six vintages, the grapes were destemmed then fermented and aged on skins for six months in locally made 200L bees-wax lined clay amphoras. The year was cool and wet in December, which affected the harvest quite a bit; yielding grapes with lighter, softer acidity and lower alcohols.

“Translucent ruby in colour, with hints of lavender, nori, vermouth and stem ginger. Orange peel also present, reminiscent of an Old Fashioned cocktail, angostura bitters and all. A pomegranate, bright cherry mid-palate balanced by a refreshing sweet and sour red cherry acidity. This is a softer style, with loads of complexity, and almost hits the palate like a Red Burgundy. The wine finishes with fine grained, chain link tannins as well as some savouriness. Very pretty.” – Brad Hickey, Vinitor, April 15, 2018.

Additional Information:
Harvest date: March 3, 2017 Hand picked
Vineyard: Omensetter Vnyd
Grower: Brash Higgins
Viticulture: Organic Certified
Soil: Red clay over limestone (Ngaltinga Formation)
Fermenter type: open amphora, wild yeast
Cap management: hand plunged two times daily
Days on skins: 180
Time in amphora: Six months
Amphora origin: Adelaide, Bennett’s Magill Pottery
Lining: McLaren Vale bees-wax
Bottling date: December 8, 2017
Filtration: clay membrane
Closure: Stelvin +
100% Nero d’Avola from Omensetter Vineyard
pH 3.4, TA 5.89 g/l, alc 12.7%

250 case

Price: $45 per bottle, $270 per 6 bottle case

MAGNUMS available on request