2022 Momento Mori Everything is Free
WINEMAKER: Dane & Hannah Johns
REGION: Heathcote, VIC
VARIETY: Nero d'Avola, Moscato Giallo
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic
This is a blend of Nero D’avola & Moscato Giallo. It is in the style of wine that enjoy drinking the most,a complex yet easy drinking light(er) red with great structure. The fruit for this wine was grown on the slopes of the Mt Camel vineyard in Heathcote. These are very rocky, volcanic soils with a complex mix of Ironstone, Dolerite Green Basalt and Jasper which always imparts an abundance of minerality to the wines.
Each variety was handled separately, and fermentation took place in 100% stainless steel.
Both varieties were fermented using a semi-liquid carbonic method that I have been refining for the past 8 years and now feel I now have a good understanding of. This method allows good extraction of flavour and phenolics while keeping the wine on a leaner the side of things as opposed to over extracting tannins and overtly “fruit forward” flavours.
New Zealander Dane Johns worked many years as a barista in Melbourne where he learned about roasting, the nuances of blending & flavour infusion. The formative years ahead of his vinous endeavours. After getting a passion for wine, Dane decided to gain winemaking experience by working several vintages with the innovative Adam Marks at Bress Winery, Central Victoria & famed Bill Downie in Gippsland.
He then headed to Europe to work with more of the wineries that he admired, absorbing their knowledge like a sponge. Dane’s passion for wine grew & after some time working in wine retail he took the plunge to release his first wines under the Momento Mori label. Singular, considered & pure. These are serious wines by a seriously passionate vigneron.