Cirillo Estate Wines 1850 Ancestor Semillon 2017 75cl

Tasting Note

The Cirillo 1850 Semillon is harvested entirely of a single vineyard in the Light Pass region in the Barossa Valley believed to be the oldest Semillon (Madeira) vineyard in the world. It is one of the few remaining Madeira vineyards left in Australia. This is why it is released under the Semillon varietal name, as opposed to the Madeira region. Picked early in the season, normally in mid‐late January, it is harvested with great acidity. The fruit is handpicked and basket pressed. The wine is then tank fermented, without oak. It is extremely pale green/yellow, almost clear in colour. The aroma is of lifted lemongrass with some clean mineral characters. Fruit is dominant on the palate with a lean, light structure and driven acid finish.

Producer

The Cirillo family moved to the small district of Light Pass in 1970. Vincent Cirillo became the custodian some exceptional vineyards that were planted in 1848; today it is noted to be the oldest surviving and producing Grenache and Semillon parcels in the world. Their prized fruit went to well‐known producers; Rockford, Peter Lehmann, St. Hallet and Torbreck. Marco Cirillo, the youngest of four children had always helped the family cultivate and preserve their precious Grenache, Semillon and Shiraz vineyards. It was during the late 1990’s when Marco was studying winemaking through Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, and actively working as a cellar hand where he honed his skills as an exceptional winemaker that he is today.

_{Country: Australia | Region: Barossa Valley | Alcohol: TBC | Grapes: Semillon | Family Producer | Organic}