2021 Hochkirch Riesling Towards Laidlaws

WINEMAKER: Jennifer & John Nagorcka
REGION: Henty, VIC
VARIETAL: Riesling
VITICULTURE: Certified Biodynamic

"From the NE facing side of the Riesling planting to Geisenheim clones; This has the steely centre that characterizes many Western Victorian Rieslings - it is fermented and aged only in tank- this wine has gorgeous lemon/ citrus blossom and green apple aromas. It’s incisive and vibrant mouth feel and tingling natural acidity give this characterful wine tension and balance. This wine, along with Crawford River's excellent Rieslings support my belief that this is perhaps the best spot for Riesling in Australia." - Andrew Guard

John Nagorcka began the development of Hochkirch in 1990 with a small planting using conventional Australian viticultural practices and varietal selection. The approach subsequently used was radically modified in response to the very cool climate with growing season temperatures similar to Burgundy.

A high density planting pattern was implemented, with a low fruiting wire to take advantage of soil warmth in the growing season, and the focus was placed on Pinot Noir (4.5 hectares), with lesser quantities of Riesling (1.5 hectares), Cabernet Sauvignon (one hectare), Semillon and Shiraz (0.5 hectares each). The vines are not irrigated and no synthetic fungicides, pesticides or fertilizers are used; currently the Nagorcka’s are certified bio-dynamic by Demeter.

Hochkirch vineyard lies on a north facing slope 250 m. above sea level along an elevated plateau running southwest from Dunkeld at the foot of the Grampians in far south west Victoria. Terrain is gently undulating with the Grampians commanding attention to the north. All vines are on own roots with no rootstocks at all used in the vineyard.