2024 Lucy M Mencia y Garnacha

WINEMAKER: Anton van Klopper
REGION: Adelaide Hills, SA
VARIETY: Mencia, Garnacha
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic

Anton sources the fruit for this wine from two organically farmed vineyards: Deanery in Balhannah and Jupiter Creek in Echunga. Both sites feature red clay soils, and vine age ranges from 15-30 years. The Mencía (from Deanery) accounts for two-thirds of the blend, with the balance Garnacha from Jupiter Creek. The fruit fermented carbonically for five days, and the wine matured in terracotta eggs.

Anton van Klopper’s commitment to making wines without any additions and his unwavering, unapologetic attitude have made him a pinup boy of natural wine — not just in Australia, but internationally. His craft of natural wine is a straightforward exercise: it involves vinifying grapes, and grapes alone, without any additions whatsoever. Few debates in wine have been so charged or divisive but Anton’s approach remains on course.