2021 Scintilla Joy's Wild Fruits Mélange de Champ

WINEMAKER: James Madden
VARIETAL: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Tempranillo
REGION: Adelaide Hills, SA
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic

"55% of the blend is a rolling co- ferment of 6 parcels. 3 clones Chardonnay, 2 clones Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc. Majority is whole bunch direct press with some bunches and de-stemmed fruit to add some nutrients, colour, texture and flavour. Additional barrels were blended to balance. All wines were aged in old french barrels on fine lees. 1 barrique of Tempranillo from Gumeracha found its way into the blend adding a touch of fruit sweetness which elevated the wine significantly.

The loose moist soil feels cool and velvety between my short stubby hobbit like fingers. The smell of spring is in the air and the bed is rich with potential as I pluck offending weeds from the patch. On my knees I lean back arching my stiff middle aged back and smile, as the warm afternoon sun and clear cloudless blue sky fills my vision. I glance over and see Mum and a feeling of warmth and love fill my being. Sundays at Mums are a treat, smells waft from the kitchen , they twist and turn like the sweet pea tendrils in the patch up through my nostrils. This is a Joy’s Wild Fruits time!" - James Madden

Sommelier-turned-winemaker James Madden has worked with the likes of James Erskine (Jauma) and Tom Shobbrook. He now shares a shed in the Basket Range with Alex Schulkin (The Other Right) to produce his own minimal intervention wines. All grapes are organic and/or biodynamic, handpicked and processed by shovel & fork. Wines are transferred by siphon using gravity, unfined, unfiltered and always zero adds.