2021 Geyer Skin Contact Semillon Muscat
WINEMAKER: Dave Geyer
VARIETAL: Semillon, Muscat
REGION: Eden/Barossa Valley, SA
VITICULTURE: Organic
From three separate sites across the Eden (Semillon) and Barossa (Semillon & Muscat) Valleys. The Barossa Semillon site is 80 years old and has been farmed organically since Dave Geyer started taking fruit from it 2 years ago. The Eden Valley Semillon is from Dave’s in-law’s property which is dry grown on alluvial sands. Weed control is essential for maintaining a balanced vine here, something the sheep help with in winter. The Barossa Muscat site is run by an old German farmer, who, by Dave’s account, “really gives a sh*t”. The site has been composted and devoid of chemicals for the last few decades. It is minimally irrigated and only in cases of extreme heat.
All grapes were handpicked and vinified separately. The Barossa Semillon (40%) was picked relatively early. 50% was left whole bunch, the rest was destemmed, tipped onto the whole bunch portion and sealed in tank for ~3 weeks. The Eden Semillon (20%) was destemmed and allowed to ferment for a few days on skins before being pressed to puncheon to finish fermentation. Once dry, the barrels were topped up and left until blending. The Barossa Muscat (40%) underwent carbonic maceration until dry, spending 6 weeks sealed in tank before being pressed to old hogsheads for maturation. All components were blended within a few days of bottling. Unfined, unfiltered & 10ppm SO2 added.
After a childhood in the Barossa Valley, Dave found himself working in the vineyards of Torbreck in 2002. This sparked his interest in all things viticulture and preceded a 7 year stint in the winery. Given an opportunity to travel for vintage to the US in 2007, the goal of one day producing his own wines was cemented. He sought to control the process from the vineyard, with the elimination of synthetic chemicals to the winery where the mantra - “less is more” rings true. Reviving and nurturing some of the neglected vineyards of the region to produce honest, innovative and delicious wines.