2024 Lucy M Sangiovese Barbera Nebbiolo

WINEMAKER: Anton van Klopper
REGION: Adelaide Hills, SA
VARIETY: Sangiovese, Barbera, Nebbiolo
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic

Dreaming of the Tuscan Hills or the rolling vineyards of Piemonte? This might be the wine for you. Sangiovese takes centre stage at 50% of the blend, with the balance comprising Barbera (30%) and Nebbiolo (20%). Most of the Sangio comes from Deanery Vineyard in the heart of the Piccadilly Valley. At 60 years old, these are apparently the oldest plantings of the variety in Australia. Another small batch from Anton’s leased vineyard in Totness is also in the mix. The Barbera hails from Zerella in McLaren Vale, and the Nebbiolo is from Brackenwood in Hope Forest in the Adelaide Hills. All the fruit ferments carbonically for four days, and maturation occurs in ceramic 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.