Whistler Wines Back to Basics – Skin Contact White 2022 (6 Bottles) Barossa Valley

SHIPPING INCLUDED AUSTRALIA WIDE

Fruit grown on our estate using organic and biodynamic practices is represented by the willow tree which resides over our dam. A bit “other wordly” like Saturn, skin contact wines are growing in popularity. But they’re not new. Like the ancient clay pot, this style of wine is enjoying a renaissance with progressive drinkers.

This skin contact white wine is made up of 51% Semillon and 49% Riesling which were grown here on our Heysen Estate property using organic and biodynamic practices.

The gentle extraction of phenolic molecules (tannins, aroma and colour) occurs by treating these white grapes like a red wine which in this case meant 10 days on skins. It brings complexity and mouthfeel that is both enticing and refreshing by bringing the gentle acidity to the forefront. This wine spent 5 months in neutral  oak. Enjoy this wine chilled but not ice cold as it’ll hide all the flavors and aromas, we worked so hard to achieve.

Aromas of peaches, mandarin peel and ruby grapefruit. The palate leads with great minerality and tension. You can feel the natural acidity of Riesling and the texture from the Semillon. Loads of citrus tang, think grapefruit pith and brown lime. Lovely texture and phenolic grip.

This wine has beautiful drinkability straight off the bat. Slightly hazy from a no fining – no filtration philosophy, this haze will continue to sediment at the bottom of the bottle. Shake it up and drink it cloudy, or decant by pouring each glass slowly – its your call. Served best at about 14 deg, its a perfect aperitif. Watch this wine develop over the next few years.