2021 Geyer Skin Contact Chenin Blanc
WINEMAKER: Dave Geyer
VARIETAL: Chenin Blanc
REGION: Barossa Valley, SA
VITICULTURE: Organic
From a small plot found in the Vine Vale subregion of the Barossa. Originally planted in 2010 as larger wineries were playing around with ‘experimental’ varieties. Only 6 E to W rows planted. Soils are typical free, deep draining Vine Vale alluvial sands. Viticulture is organic though not certified.
Hand-harvested early in the day and split into two portions. The first left as whole bunches for carbonic maceration, going through primary and secondary over a 3-week period in sealed tank. Subsequently this portion was foot stomped and pneumatically pressed to old French hogsheads for 6 months. The second portion was destemmed and left on skins for one day before being pressed to old French hogsheads for fermentation, being topped up regularly. Blended and bottled with no fining, filtration or sulphur added.
After a childhood in the Barossa Valley, Dave found himself working in the vineyards of Torbreck in 2002. This sparked his interest in all things viticulture and preceded a 7 year stint in the winery. Given an opportunity to travel for vintage to the US in 2007, the goal of one day producing his own wines was cemented. He sought to control the process from the vineyard, with the elimination of synthetic chemicals to the winery where the mantra - “less is more” rings true. Reviving and nurturing some of the neglected vineyards of the region to produce honest, innovative and delicious wines.