November '22
Can you believe that this time last year we were excitedly sending our first wine out into the world? That’s right, one whole year of One Wine. So, to start our second year off right, we've sourced something pretty special for you to sink your teeth into. For November, we’re back Down Under with the perfumed and powerful 2021 Vanguardist Mourvèdre. Deep, dark and mysterious, with a name that demands some sexy rolled ‘R’s. Oh no, this is not your everyday red. Which is exactly why we think it’s perfect for One Wine. Not to mention it has excellent provenance - this little beauty hails from Blewitt Springs, a stunning subregion of McLaren Vale. Or that it was crafted by an extremely talented winemaker - the formidable Michael Corbett. And that it’s part of a low yield, high quality small-batch production - only 240 cases produced. Yep, we think we’re onto a winner - and we’re willing to bet that once you get it in your glass, you will too.
V is for Vanguardist
As the name suggests, Vanguardist is about pushing boundaries - in the vineyard and in the marketplace. Based in McLaren Vale, this plucky little producer is the vision of three close friends. It was dreamt up over long nights in Hawke’s Bay, swapping stories, sharing great bottles and talking about their love of wine. The premise is simple: create premium, authentic, small-batch wines for a market that is crowded by "overly commercialised wines produced by corporates who take up all the elbow room." They deliver on this by working with growers across South Australia, sourcing high-quality fruit from great vineyards to produce creative, compelling wines with texture and vibrancy. Now this is a vanguard we want to be a part of. Or should we say, vinguard?
Introducing mourvèdre, a sexy black grape with a French name and Iberian origins. In its native Spain, it’s known as monastrell. Here in Australia, it generally goes by mataro - you might know it best as the variety that puts the “mmm” in GSM. But, as Vanguardist demonstrates, sometimes you’ve got to push beyond your comfort zones, leaving the G and the S aside to create a straight mourvèdre that is pure magic. As a wine, it’s characterised by a deep purple hue, black berry fruits and floral elements, as well as savoury notes – white pepper, black olive and earthy tones. Naturally high acidity and rustic tannins provide structure and freshness that complement the vibrancy of the fruit and its rich, savoury depths. It’s a muscular wine, so don’t be afraid to let this wine breathe - or even decant - for a couple of hours.
B is for Blewitt Springs
The fruit for this wine is sourced from a premium parcel from the Yangarra Estate vineyards, a certified biodynamic and organic grower in Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale. Located north-east of the McLaren Flat, this stunning subregion is known for its old bush vines and rich, sandy soils, similar to those you might find in the Mediterranean coast. Sitting at around 150 to 200 metres, the vineyard enjoys hot, dry days and cool nights - growing conditions that mourvèdre vines thrive in. It’s easy to see why the Vanguardist chose it - it ticks all the right boxes: sustainable viticulture, high-quality fruit and great views, no doubt. And the result is an outstanding wine that still manages to keep it real. Real fruit, real texture, real flavour, real quality.
1. Vanguardist is a real word, meaning someone who is at the vanguard or leading position of a movement or field. The name refers to the producer’s desire to “push the realms of standard winemaking to deliver intrigue, excitement and utmost quality.”
2. Mourvèdre is normally a supporting cast member, playing the role of ‘M’ in a classic GSM blend. But don’t be fooled, she’s a tenacious little starlet waiting for her chance and if you put her centre stage, you’re in for a spectacular performance.
3. How to spot a mourvèdre at ten paces? Look for a robust tannic structure and savoury flavour profile, with distinctive notes of earth, grilled meats, dried herbs and olive tapenade.
4. The fruit for this wine is sourced from a certified biodynamic and organic vineyard.
5. The way this wine is made pays homage to the great wines of South West France. It’s fermented with 30% whole clusters - fruit that isn’t destemmed - and spends 16 months maturing in French oak, producing a svelte stylish wine with a savoury kick. So bust out the petanque set and roast some truffled duck - this wine is about to take you there.
