Brash Higgins 2016 ‘NDV’ Nero d’Avola-Amphora

Grafted to the BH estate Omensetter Vineyard in 2009, this sixth vintage of the drought tolerant Sicilian varietal Nero d’Avola was picked at 13 Baume in 2016 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 five vintages, the grapes were destemmed then fermented and aged on skins for six months in locally made 200L bees-wax lined clay amphoras. We also used some whole bunch in the ferments, about 20%, to see how they’d effect the wine. A bit more tightly wound this year, and a cool savoury note, as always with great promise for decades to come.

“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. The wine finishes with fine grained, chain link tannins as well as some savouriness from the whole bunch element.” – Brad Hickey, Vinitor, April 15, 2017.

Additional Information
Harvest date: February 22, 2016 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: January 28, 2017
Filtration: clay membrane
Closure: Stelvin +
100% Nero d’Avola from Omensetter Vineyard
pH 3.4, TA 6.5 g/l, alc 13.5%

240 cases

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

MAGNUMS available on request