The Xabregas Mount Barker vineyards enjoy a microclime that's somewhat similar to some of Europe's great winegrowing districts. Riesling is afforded a great deal of respect as a grape and generally the winemaking influence is minimal, to preserve the aromatics. Artisan Riesling is the antithesis. The aim is to interact with the precision of Riesling's acidity and flavour to add complexity and most importantly texture, without overpowering the delicate fruit.
The jewel in the Xabregas crown are three beautiful sites, just ten kilometres south of Mount Barker along the renowned Figtree Lane, Spencer and Narrikup Roads. The three properties behave as idiosyncratically as the four seasons, adding to the dynamic of Mount Barker. Riesling grapes are treated to a substantial pressing to extract optimal flavour. The aim is to construct a wine with brilliant crystalline structure, brisk lime/citrus character and maximum intensity of fruit. Juices are cold settled and barrel fermented through the action of native yeasts and stirred on full sulphured lees for five months. Upon completion the batches are matured eight months during a course of battonage in tank on fine yeast lees. Alcohol 11.9%
Bright pale straw hue. Artisan is cut from a different cloth, a mixture of classic citrus, talcum powder and red apple characters with nuances of smoky oak and camembert cheese. A bone dry, savoury palate of citrus marmalade, lime rind and lemon acid, with a creamy mid palate of piquant aged cheddar, followed by a mouth watering brace of acid to finish.
