Brockenchack Mackenzie William 1896 Single Vineyard Riesling

The Brockenchack Mackenzie William 1896 Single Vineyard Riesling is a premium wine from Brockenchack Winery, located in the renowned Barossa Valley, South Australia. This wine is part of their high-end portfolio, with a focus on showcasing the potential of Riesling grown in a single vineyard with deep historical roots.

Here are the detailed ingredients and information about the wine:

Grape Variety:

• Riesling: The 1896 Single Vineyard Riesling is made entirely from the Riesling grape, a variety known for its bright acidity, aromatic qualities, and the ability to age beautifully.

Vineyard:

• Mackenzie William Vineyard: The fruit for this wine comes from a single vineyard that is part of the Mackenzie William vineyard, which has historical significance. The vineyard was established in 1896, making it one of the older, heritage vineyards in the Barossa Valley.
• The vines are low-yielding, contributing to the wine's concentrated flavors and high quality. The site’s terroir – with its unique soils, microclimate, and elevation – plays a key role in the wine's character.

Winemaking Process:

• Hand Harvesting: The grapes for the 1896 Single Vineyard Riesling are typically hand-harvested, ensuring that only the best bunches are selected.
• Cold Pressing: The grapes are cold-pressed to extract the juice gently, preserving the delicate aromatics and fresh fruit flavors.
• Fermentation: Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, which helps to maintain the fresh, clean, and crisp profile of the wine. The cooler fermentation temperatures are ideal for preserving the aromatics of Riesling.
• No Oak Aging: Riesling is typically fermented and aged in stainless steel or sometimes neutral vessels (no oak), which helps preserve the varietal purity of the wine and its natural acidity.

Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Pale lemon in color, characteristic of a fresh Riesling.
• Aroma: Expect a bouquet of fresh lime, lemon zest, green apple, and floral notes. There may also be hints of mineral nuances and a subtle petrol character, which is typical for aged Riesling.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is crisp, dry, and vibrant, with refreshing acidity and flavors of citrus fruits, green apple, and sometimes subtle peach or stone fruit. The wine's minerality and purity shine through, and it often has a long, clean finish.
• Finish: A long, racy finish with a fresh acidity that promises excellent aging potential. The wine’s balance of fruit and acidity makes it incredibly refreshing.

Alcohol Content:

• The alcohol content of the Mackenzie William 1896 Single Vineyard Riesling is typically around 11.5% to 12%, a standard level for Riesling wines, allowing for a crisp and refreshing profile.

Ageing Potential:

• Aging: Riesling is well known for its aging potential, and this single-vineyard wine is no exception. It can be enjoyed young for its freshness and vibrancy, but it will also reward those who cellar it for a few years, developing additional complexity, with petrol notes and a more honeyed character emerging over time.

Food Pairing:

• Riesling is an incredibly versatile food wine. The Mackenzie William 1896 Single Vineyard Riesling pairs well with:
  • Seafood (e.g., oysters, prawns, or grilled fish)
  • Spicy dishes (e.g., Thai or Indian cuisine, as the wine’s acidity and slight sweetness can complement spice)
  • Goat cheese or soft cheeses
  • Poultry (e.g., roasted chicken or turkey)
  • Fresh salads and Asian dishes

Viticulture and Region:

• Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s most famous wine regions, known for its warm, Mediterranean climate, which is ideal for growing a range of grape varieties, including Riesling, in certain subregions with cooler conditions or higher elevations.
• The Mackenzie William Vineyard is likely located in a cooler part of the Barossa Valley, helping to preserve the high acidity and freshness for which Riesling is known.

Brockenchack Winery:

• Brockenchack is a family-owned winery committed to producing premium wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Barossa Valley. The winery places an emphasis on sustainability, quality, and the traditional methods of winemaking, ensuring that each bottle of wine tells the story of its place of origin.
• The Mackenzie William 1896 Single Vineyard Riesling is a true expression of the region’s potential, with a focus on old vines and a dedication to preserving the rich history of winemaking in the Barossa.