Product Description
The Ministry of Clouds Mencía 2022 is an exceptional expression of the Iberian variety, hailing from McLaren Vale, where the Mediterranean climate creates the perfect conditions for Mencía to thrive. Known for its lifted floral aromatics and vibrant fruit profile, this wine showcases the delicate balance of medium-bodied richness and energetic minerality. With aromas of sour cherry, pomegranate, and a touch of liquorice, the wine reveals a nervy yet supple palate of blackcurrant, raspberry, and crushed rocks, built upon a bedrock of mineral-laced tannins.
Grown on the ancient soils of The Chase vineyard, this wine benefits from the region's thin, mean soils that limit yield and encourage early ripening. Hand-picked and thinned, the Mencía vines produce a wine of delicate character and refined complexity. The wine undergoes a careful vinification process, with a combination of whole-bunch fermentation, extended skin contact, and maturation in old French oak to develop its distinctive personality. The result is a wine that is both fresh and complex, perfect for pairing with rustic dishes or enjoying on its own.
Maker:
Ministry of Clouds was founded in 2012 by Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood with a shared vision: to create wines that speak to their passion for both gastronomy and winemaking. Their journey began in the world of wine importation, where they immersed themselves in the best of Burgundy, Piedmont, the Rhône, and beyond. With years of experience in the McLaren Vale wine region, they developed a deep connection with the vineyards, observing the changing seasons and tasting from local growers.
At Ministry of Clouds, they have embraced a philosophy of producing wines that are sustainable and elegant, drawing on their backgrounds and respect for the old-world traditions. Their approach to winemaking is rooted in hands-on techniques, with an emphasis on purity and expression. The goal is to highlight the distinctiveness of each vineyard and vintage, using traditional methods and innovative practices to craft wines that are both contemporary and classic.
Philosophy:
At Ministry of Clouds, the philosophy is centered around the balance between control and nature. Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood believe that great wines are made from both intention and the unpredictable magic of nature. Their approach combines careful vineyard management and winemaking precision with the understanding that, in the end, wine is an expression of both the land and the elements beyond our control.
Their own 11-hectare vineyard, The Chase, sits atop the rugged Onkaparinga Gorge in the Seaview subregion of McLaren Vale, where the vines are exposed to the unique terroir of ancient bedrock and fragile soils. The team at Ministry of Clouds practices sustainable farming and values hand-picking, careful pruning, and the use of wild fermentation to preserve the purity of the fruit. By embracing both traditional and modern winemaking methods, they aim to craft wines that are fresh, complex, and expressive of their origins.
Tasting Notes:
Nose
Floral and Fruity
Lush sour cherry, pomegranate, and liquorice aromas greet the nose, with a hint of crushed rocks adding complexity.
Palate
Vibrant and Lithe
The palate is full of mid-weight blackcurrant and raspberry fruit, with mineral-laced tannins and a nervy structure providing balance and energy.
Finish
Long and Mineral
A lasting finish of savoury tannins and vibrant acidity, underpinned by the wine’s distinctive mineral edge, leaving a clean and refreshing aftertaste.
Reviews + Accolades:
Deeply purple in colour, this wine has the lifted floral aromatics of Mencía showing sour cherry, pomegranate, and black liquorice. On the palate, the layered succulent fruit characters that Mencía is known for come to the fore, showing mid-weight blackcurrant and raspberry fruit, built upon a bedrock of mineral laced tannin. - Bernice and Julian, Winemakers
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Mencia
Country - Australia
Region - McLaren Value, South Australia
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.1%