Artisans of Barossa Small Batch Chardonnay 2022

This Chardonnay, from a cool site in Eden Valley, was fermented naturally with wild yeast in one French oak barrique and one French oak hogshead. It was then matured on lees for 10 months, delivering a classic full-bodied dry white full of flavour, texture and complexity.  

Truly small batch in winemaking style and volume, this is an incredibly limited-release Chardonnay of outstanding quality. Bottled unfined, locally, it is vegan-friendly.

Small batch winemaking refers to the process of producing wine in limited quantities, typically on a smaller scale compared to larger wineries. It involves a more hands-on and artisanal approach, where attention to detail and quality are emphasized. 

The Artisans of Barossa are John Duval Wines, Spinifex Wines, Sons of Eden, Lienert Vineyards, Schwarz Wine Co., Purple Hands Wines, Hobbs of Barossa Ranges and Chaffey Bros. Wine Co.

Eight small winemakers brought together by a shared commitment to protect and promote the art of small-batch Barossa winemaking.

Winemaker, Peter Schell, Spinifex.

Vintage: 2022

Grape Variety: Chardonnay

Region: Eden Valley

Eden Valley, located within the Barossa wine region in South Australia, is known for its unique viticultural characteristics, particularly in white grape varieties. Here are some aspects that make Eden Valley distinctive:

1. Altitude and Climate: Eden Valley is higher than the neighbouring Barossa Valley. The cool climate and higher altitude contribute to significant diurnal temperature variations, allowing the grapes to ripen more slowly. This extended ripening period helps develop complex flavours and aromas in white grape varieties.
2. Riesling Excellence: Eden Valley is renowned for its exceptional Riesling production. Cool temperatures, well-drained soils, and high-altitude vineyards create ideal growing conditions for Riesling grapes. The resulting wines often exhibit vibrant acidity, citrus flavours, floral aromas, and a remarkable ability to age gracefully.
3. Crisp and Elegant Whites: The cool climate of Eden Valley favours the cultivation of white grape varieties that thrive in such conditions. Apart from Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon are among the notable white varieties grown. The grapes retain their natural acidity, resulting in crisp and refreshing wines that often display a distinct mineral character.
4. Old Vine Heritage: Eden Valley is home to some of the oldest vineyards in Australia, with vines that are well over a century old. These ancient, low-yielding vines produce grapes with concentrated flavours and depth. This heritage contributes to the richness and complexity of Eden Valley’s white wines.
5. Diverse Soil Types: Eden Valley has a diverse range of soil types, including sandy loam, shale, and rocky granite soils. These varied soil profiles add complexity to the wines and contribute to the unique expressions of different white grape varieties grown in the region.
6. Winemaking Traditions: Eden Valley has a rich winemaking history, with many family-owned and boutique wineries embracing traditional winemaking practices. This emphasis on craftsmanship and attention to detail further enhances the quality and distinctiveness of the white wines produced in the region.

The region’s wines are known for their distinctive characteristics, including vibrant acidity, complexity, richness, and the ability to age gracefully.