Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Riesling from the Clare Valley.

The Kilikanoon Experimental range or Kx for short, is an opportunity for our winemakers to try new techniques and styles of wine. This variety hails from Bordeaux and is primarily utilised in regional blends to lift varietal notes. The cool nights and higher altitude of the Clare Valley see this variety thrive, ripening slowly and developing a rich layered flavour.

PLACE
The first picked Riesling of the year, the grapes were harvested from Kilikanoon’s Morrison Vineyard. On the eastern facing slope, the Riesling rows run from the austere soils from the ridge down the face of the slope. As the flavour first develops after veraison, the grapes are harvest with their bright natural acidity that amplifies the varietal flavours.
Our grapes are grown on Ngadjuri country.
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
Regenerating winter rainfall paired with mild conditions formed the basis of an ideal growing season. The mild temperatures saw flowering occurring as usual, but the persistent cooler spring days resulted in a slower ripening. This allowed the vines to undertake verasion and develop rich and intense flavours at a lower sugar concentration, slowly maturing to peak ripeness and exceptional quality.
WINEMAKING
Delivered to the winery, the fruit was loaded into the press and allowed to free drain. Once fully loaded into the press, the pure juice that freely drained was cut (separated) from the remainder. The juice was allowed to fully ferment dry and even undergo partial malolactic conversion before being snap chilled. The tank was sealed and allowed to sit on its fine lees for 6 months, undergoing regular batonnage. Transferred to bottles, the wine underwent secondary fermentation and once again sat on its lees for a further 13 months. The wine was disgorged with custom liqueur d’expedition to finely balance the varietal flavours of the Riesling and the methode traditional techniques used.