
2022 A. Rodda Cuvée de Chais





WINEMAKER: Adrian Rodda
REGION: Beechworth, VIC
VARIETY: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
VITICULTURE: Sustainable
“Cuvée de Chais” loosely translates as Cellar Blend and is Adrian’s interpretation of a traditional Bordeaux blend or ‘Claret’. Adrian believes when it comes to Bordeaux varieties, the sum is greater than its parts.
Cabernet Sauvignon provides the tannin, length and structural backbone, Merlot contributes ‘the fuzzy ball of fruit’ in the mid-palate, Cabernet Franc provides fragrant red fruits and savouriness. Petit Verdot adds perfume and acid line to the finish.Cabernet Sauvignon was crushed and de-stemmed whereas the other four varieties incorporated more whole berries. During fermentation, the timing and combination of pump-overs, “rack and returns”, pigeage and plunging was to preserve aromatics and perfume yet extract adequate tannins for structure and length, depending on the variety. Post-fermentation, the Cabernet Sauvignon was held on skins for a further 15 days than the other varieties. All wines were pressed to French oak barriques (36% new) for 15 months.
An array of red and purple fruits (think dark cherries and plums) with heightened aromas of violets and wild herbs. The supple fruit weight is seamlessly interwoven with fine, velvety tannins giving the wine great balance and finesse.