Avondale Qvevri 2020

In 2018 Avondale’s Johnathan Grieve poured test tube samples drawn from Qvevri and now in 2022 the third iteration really begins to show his in depth understanding of the process. Red is a Rhône blend, grenache driven, with mourvèdre and syrah under a submerged cap, 60 per cent whole bunch, carbonic maceration and spontaneous fermentation. Heads through punchdown and is left on skins post ferment for 30-60 days, depending on the Qvevri. It’s almost Beaujolais style albeit with longer Piedmontese-esque soaks. The goal and credible arrival at fruition is more tannin by skins in extraction, earthiness from the clay but bright fruit all in. The tannins are chalky chewy and overall the wine remains really bright and effusive. Please serve this chilled. Drink 2023-2026. Tasted October 2022. Score – 91. (Michael Godel, winealign.com)