Crafted from parcels of hand picked Tempranillo grapes, grown to the exquisite Mazza Vineyard at Donneybrook, an hour's drive northeast of Margaret River. The greater Geographe region has been an essential component in west coast wines for many vintages, the quality of harvests rival her salubrious neighbours. An eloquent articulation of a splendid terroir and the fruit of closely cossetted vines, its classic old world savouriness, gardeniere complexity and light fresh tannins make Empirica the first choice alongside crackling pork or supple lamb recipes.
Castelli have chosen to fashion their harvest in a manner which highlights the bright berry fruit aromas and showcases the lovely savoury tannins which define Tempranillo. Parcels of hand picked fruit are crushed into small open top fermenters for several days of cold soak maceration. Batches are hand plunged twice daily for gentle extraction of colour, flavour and tannin. Upon completion, ferments are transferred to a selection of two and three year old French oak barriques for fifteen months maturation, integrating the wine while taming the tannins. A minimal influence of oak is essential to the style, seasoned oak achieves balance and structure while preserving the elegance of fruit.
