Heartland Dolcetto & Lagrein 2007

Heartland Wines was created by a small group of leading South Australian wine identities who are all good friends and share a passion for making great wine. The directors include winemaker Ben Glaetzer and wine industry professionals Grant Tilbrook and Vicki Arnold. All the wines are made by Ben Glaetzer and are made with fruit from the director's own mature vineyards in the Limestone Coast and Langhorne Creek, South Australia.

Region: Langhorne Creek 90%, Limestone Coast 10%

Soil: Langhorne Creek: Sandy loam Limestone Coast: Black loam over terra rossa subsoil and deep limestone

Variety: 50% Dolcetto, 50% Lagrein

2007 Vintage: It was an early start to vintage with our vineyards showing light canopies and low yields. A dry season in Langhorne Creek with good consistent sunny days followed by cool nights which allowed for ideal ripening. Generally a warm, low yielding year which suited the Lagrein vines well. Small berry size has produced good concentration of colour and flavour. Vinification: The Dolcetto component was crushed and macerated for 4 days prior to yeast addition. A warm ferment (28°C) with 4 times daily hand-plunging. The wine was left on skins for 10 days before pressing. Approximately 50% of the Dolcetto was transferred to French oak hogsheads for completion of ferment, the remainder was unoaked. The Lagrein was fermented at cooler temperatures (18°-22°C) to preserve aromatics and limit bitter tannin extraction. The wine was transferred to new French oak for 12 months maturation prior to blending.

Yield: 3.5 - 4.8 tonnes/ha (1.5 - 2 tons/acre)

Tasting Notes: Opaque purple in colour with hints of brick red. A fresh, vibrant nose with chocolate and coffee bean evident, due to the increased Lagrein in this vintage. In the mouth, intense earthy flavours from the Lagrein mingle with sweet, fresh red cherry and spice of the Dolcetto. The palate is rich and balanced with cleansing acidity making it perfect for enjoying with food - especially tomato based dishes.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Total Acidity: 6.7 g/L
pH: 3.50
Residual sugar: 2.5 g/L

www.heartlandwines.com.au

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