Ministry of Clouds Shiraz

Sustainable, wild yeast, low sulphur, unfined, unfiltered, vegan/veggie. 

13.8%

75cl 

MORE INFORMATION

Producer

“McLaren Vale is our heartland”, and it’s where Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood bought their 11 hectare vineyard positioned atop the Onkaparinga Gorge. Though not trained winemakers, between them the have 35 years of experience in wine hospitality, the have developed a knack for tracking down the very best parcels of fruit they can lay their hands on. Fruit is sourced from around the country; in McLaren Vale and as far afield as Tasmania. Bernice and Julian created Ministry of Clouds in 2012, and in such a short space of time their beautifully poised, elegant wines have won a legion of fans.

Viticulture

With the aim that this is Shiraz reflects their view of the region, McLaren Vale, they combine a farm dry grown Blewitt Springs deep sandy vineyard, and a younger more structured and fragrant parcel from the shallow old rocks of their own Sea view site in the hope of a more modern, slender and youthful expression.

Winemaking

We hand picked each parcel top reserve freshness and vibrancy, keeping 5% as whole bunches, and gently de-stemming the balance to retain whole berries, they allowed it to cold soak for 2-3 days to capture aromatics. Fermentation commenced naturally, it was hand plunged or pumped over and tasted twice daily to assess flavour and colour extraction. After a gentle basket press, the wine was matured in a 5000 litre old French oak foudre, and a selection of 500l puncheons. Bottled without fining or filtration.  

Taste

Layers of cool blue and red fruit lift with layers of fall spice and cardamon to entice, supported by a gentle creaminess, which progresses to the palate exhibiting a deep fruit weight kept bright, nervy and fleshy and filed down nicely by fine and savoury tannin line.