If someone throws the words 'Australian', 'Cabernet Sauvignon' and 'Malbec' at you, and asks what you're visualizing, then I think it's safe to say you'll be picturing a big, gutsy red wine, not a rosewater and bubblegum pink. Maybe we should have mentioned that there's Ruby Cabernet in the blend too, because that immediately makes us think 'dancing shoes', and this wine is somehow reminiscent of a rugby player on Strictly Come Dancing - surprisingly nimble and lightfooted, and very, very entertaining.
De Bortoli Wines is a third generation family wine company established by Vittorio and Guiseppina De Bortoli in 1928, who emigrated to Australia from Northern Italy. Their son, the energetic and dynamic Deen De Bortoli, expanded and consolidated the business and Deen’s children have established De Bortoli’s reputation for premium wine. Italian family values passed down from Vittorio remain core values of the wine production. There is a culture of hard work and generosity – with plenty of sharing of good food and good wine.
The lead up to vintage 2010 saw quite mild growing conditions and some rainfall. The January and February night temperatures were quite mild allowing fruit to ripen and retain good acidity. Parcels of fruit were selected by the winemaker for their flavour profile and colour. The must was cold soaked on skins for 24-48 hours to help extract colour from the skins. The grapes were then pressed and the juice fermented at cool temperatures (around 14°C) to help retain as much fresh fruit character as possible.
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