2020 Brash Higgins NDV

WINEMAKER: Brad Hickey
VARIETAL: Nero d'Avola
REGION: McLaren Vale, SA
VITICULTURE: Nero d'Avola

The first to graft Nero d’Avola in McLaren Vale to our organic estate Omensetter Vineyard in 2009, this tenth vintage of the drought tolerant Sicilian varietal was picked in early March after a deliciously cool February eased the pace of the ripening Nero grapes. 2020 to the point was dry with low yields and devastating bushfires in the Adelaide Hills and on Kangaroo Island, which fortunately skirted the Vale. The transparency of the Nero d’Avola grape was preserved in our NDV by using gentle, ancient techniques and naturally occurring wild yeasts. The grapes were destemmed then fermented wild and aged on skins and seeds for six months in locally made 200L bees-wax lined clay amphoras (aka clay pots).

“Dark ruby in colour, with hints of black cherry, Indian spices and stem ginger. Orange peel also present which is usual in this wine. Reminiscent of a Negroni cocktail, angostura bitters and all. A pomegranate, bright dark raspberry and morello cherry mid-palate balanced by a refreshing sweet and sour red cherry acidity. The wine finishes with fine grained, chain link tannins as well as some savouriness. Decanting is always recommended for amphora wines” – Brad Hickey

Brad Hickey first came to Australia in 2007 to work vintage with renowned South Australian winemaker, Chris Ringland. It was here the Aussies bestowed the bright-eyed and brash New Yorker with the nickname Brash Higgins, and where he met his partner and fellow vigneron Nicole Thorpe. Their 17-acre vineyard in McLaren Vale has been certified organic since 2017. Inspired by the Italian amphora-fermented wines of Sicily and Friuli, BH ferment several of their wines in bespoke amphora by Adelaide potter John Bennett.