RedHeads Coco Rotie Syrah Viognier 2018

Winemaking and Drinking

RedHeads Wine, a winery known for its innovative and rebellious approach to winemaking, introduced the Coco Rotie Syrah Viognier 2018 as a tribute to the classic Côte-Rôtie wines from the Northern Rhône region of France. Founded in the McLaren Vale region of South Australia, RedHeads was born from a desire to create wines with personality and flair, breaking away from traditional constraints.

The Coco Rotie Syrah Viognier 2018 is crafted from carefully selected vineyards across McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley. These regions are renowned for their ideal growing conditions, characterized by warm days, cool nights, and diverse soil compositions, which contribute to the unique character of the wines produced here.

Vineyard Practices

The vineyards supplying grapes for the Coco Rotie are managed with meticulous care. Sustainable farming practices are employed to ensure the health of the vines and the quality of the grapes. The Syrah (Shiraz) grapes, forming the backbone of this blend, are grown in low-yielding vineyards to concentrate flavors and enhance the wine’s structure. The Viognier grapes, which are co-fermented with the Syrah, are harvested at optimal ripeness to impart aromatic intensity and freshness to the final blend.

Winemaking 

The winemaking process for Coco Rotie Syrah Viognier 2018 is both an art and a science. The Syrah and Viognier grapes are harvested and crushed together, allowing the aromatic Viognier to integrate seamlessly with the robust Syrah. This co-fermentation technique is inspired by the traditional practices of the Côte-Rôtie appellation.

Fermentation takes place in small open-top fermenters, with regular hand plunging to extract color, flavor, and tannins. The wine is then aged in a combination of French oak barrels, both new and old, for 18 months. This aging process adds complexity, smoothness, and subtle oak nuances to the wine without overpowering the fruit character.

Tasting Notes

The RedHeads Coco Rotie Syrah Viognier 2018 is a captivating wine that offers an intriguing blend of aromas and flavors:

• Appearance: Deep, inky purple with a vibrant ruby rim.
• Nose: The bouquet is a symphony of dark fruits, including blackberries, plums, and black cherries, interwoven with floral notes of violets and orange blossom from the Viognier. Subtle hints of pepper, spice, and smoky oak add complexity.
• Palate: On the palate, this wine is full-bodied and rich, with a velvety texture. Flavors of ripe black fruits dominate, complemented by layers of licorice, dark chocolate, and earthy undertones. The Viognier imparts a delightful freshness and lift, balancing the wine’s robust character.
• Finish: The finish is long and harmonious, with fine-grained tannins and a lingering aftertaste of fruit and spice.

Awards and Accolades

Since its release, the Coco Rotie Syrah Viognier 2018 has garnered significant attention and praise from critics and wine enthusiasts alike. It has received numerous accolades, including:

• Gold Medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC)
• 95 Points from James Halliday's Wine Companion
• Platinum Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards

These accolades reflect the wine's exceptional quality and the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into every bottle.

Conclusion

The RedHeads Coco Rotie Syrah Viognier 2018 is a testament to the innovative spirit and dedication of the RedHeads winemaking team. By blending tradition with modern techniques, they have created a wine that is both expressive and refined. This vintage not only pays homage to the great wines of the Côte-Rôtie but also stands as a unique and compelling expression of South Australian terroir. For wine lovers seeking a rich, aromatic, and beautifully balanced wine, the Coco Rotie Syrah Viognier 2018 is a true delight.