Brash Higgins 2018 ‘NDV’ Nero d’Avola-Amphora

The first to graft Nero d’Avola in McLaren Vale to our organic estate Omensetter Vineyard in 2009, this eighth vintage of the drought tolerant Sicilian varietal was picked at 13 Baume in 2018 to maintain vibrancy. The transparency of the Nero d’Avola grape was preserved by using gentle, ancient techniques and naturally occurring wild yeasts. The grapes were destemmed then fermented and aged on skins for six months in locally made 200L bees-wax lined clay amphoras.

“Dark 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 dark raspberry and morello cherry mid-palate balanced by a refreshing sweet and sour red cherry acidity. The wine finishes with fine grained, chain link tannins as well as some savouriness. Decanting is always recommended for amphora wines” – Brad Hickey, Vinitor, Nov 11, 2019.

Additional Information
Harvest date: Feb 13, 2018 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, 2018
Filtration: clay membrane
Closure: Stelvin +
100% Nero d’Avola from Omensetter Vineyard
pH 3.5, TA 5.89 g/l, alc 13.9%

276 cases

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

MAGNUMS available on request