Giant Steps Clay Ferment Ocarina Chardonnay 2021

Yarra Valley based vigneron, Phil Sexton lives with his family in the middle of their 32 hectare vineyard established on the high north face of the Warramate Ranges in the dress circle of the Yarra Valley. Specialising in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Giant Steps explore site, micro climatic and clonal differences between several specialized vineyards in the Yarra Valley including their own multi-clonal vineyard and the highly regarded Tarraford vineyard. Focused intently upon reflecting the individual and unique characteristics of each single vineyard, Giant Steps adopts a minimalist approach to winemaking including, whenever possible, vinification using indigenous yeasts and gravity flow transfers.

The overall temperature during the growing season was lower than average which led to a long slow ripening period and great concentration of flavours and natural acidity. A selected parcel of fruit from each of Giant Steps single vineyard sites was whole bunch pressed straight to 675 Litre open top Clay “Egg” vessels. After fermentation, the lids were sealed with clay and allowed to settle for 6 months. The wine was then racked to tank and bottled. No fining, no filtration.

From 4 Giant Steps vineyards, fermented in matured in 675L clay eggs produced in Byron Bay. Whole-bunch pressed, wild ferment and kept in clay for 6 months. No filtration and bottled by gravity. A very bright green gold. Aromas of almond meal, freshly grated ginger and white flowers. A little match stick, too. An intriguing palate, which is dry, grippy, even and long. A bit closed, this would be a great food wine and it will be fascinating to see how this evolves and changes over the next few years. - Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion, 93 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Yarra Valley, Victoria
Vintage - 2021
Bottle - 750ml
ABV - 13%