Savaterre Frere Cadet Chardonnay 2022
Maker:
Savaterre is positioned on an elevated site with amphitheatre views across the King Valley in the rolling peaks and valleys of Beechworth. Located across the road from Giaconda, the site was discovered in 1996 by Keppell Smith, owner and winemaker. The close-planted vineyard is on ancient granitic soils at 440 metre (above sea level) and blessed with mild summer days, cool evenings thanks to the lofty elevation of the Victorian Alps. Viticulture follows low input principles and yields are less than two tonnes/acres. In the cellar, Kepp employs Burgundian techniques with the aid of indigenous yeasts. Each wine, be it Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Shiraz has individuality and striking concentration. Savaterre's well structured Chardonnay is matured in generous new and seasoned tight grained French oak for up to 19 months. Chardonnay undoubtedly Savaterre’s hero. The Pinot Noir is deep and layered with cherry stone/chocolate aromas and plenty of richness and flavour, and shrewdly bottle aged before release. Finally the Shiraz, or should we say Syrah? Always highly perfumed with distinct red fruit preserve and floral character. Mid weight, velvety, seamless and almost pinot-like in its vibrancy and weightlessness. Super fine tannins and in a neat frame.
Vineyard:
Savaterre's elevated, close planted vineyard is farmed with organic principles. No pesticides are used. The soil consists of ancient granitic “buckshot” over decomposed clay. These unique gravels are rich in minerals and provide excellent drainage whilst the clay provides some sustained water to the vines in summer. This ancient, poor soil naturally limits the cropping level to less than 4.5 tons per hectare. The vines are close planted at 7500 vines per hectare . This allows the vine to carry a smaller crop and direct all its energies to producing intense flavours and wonderful textures - traits that are found primarily in only outstanding vineyards. This unique combination of soil, climate and viticulture provides Savaterre with intense fruit of the very highest quality. The grapes are hand picked in the cool of the autumn morning and transported to the winery which is next to the vineyard. Savaterre's vineyard has been named in the top 25 vineyards in Australia.
Cuvee/Style:
When rare parcels of particularly outstanding Beechworth grapes become available, winemaker Keppell Smith likes to create something unique and bottle it under Savaterre's 'Frère Cadet' (Younger Brother) label. The Frère Cadet range of wines evolved to be more accessible in their youth. These wines are created with the same attention to detail that goes into our premium Savaterre label but are more giving when young. All grapes are handpicked and fermented by indigenous yeasts. There is minimal interference. Nature takes its course. The wine is matured for 18 months in the best French oak before maturing in bottle prior to release.
I want you to enjoy this wine on occasions when Grand Cru would not be appropriate. It’s the wine you open when your friends drop in for a casual dinner or you collapse on the couch after a long day of work and stream an addictive TV series. - Keppell Smith, Winemaker
Tasting:
Nose - River Stone Flint, Sweet Oak Spice
A little struck match, grapefruit and pith, oatmeal richness and ginger spice.
Palate - Rich, Tense and Fresh
Once tasted I am transported. This is a wine that takes you on a journey of power balanced with finesse, complexity and extraordinary length.
Finish - Generous, fresh and Satisfying
Grapefruit tang and oak driven spice. Underscored with linear acidity and great length.
Sourced from a vineyard next to Giaconda, a higher cropping site, conventional farmed, says Keppel Smith. A little struck match, grapefruit, stonefruit, and oatmeal richness, fine spicy oak, Japanese ginger. Juicy but tight, has some creamy gloss and richness, but acidity gives it grapefruity tang and freshness, finishes quite long and spicy. A really good glass of Chardonnay here. Satisfying. Pleasurable. Excellent. - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, 94 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Beechworth, Victoria
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%