Yangarra Estate Ovitelli Blanc 2021

96 POINTS – Wine Pilot, Shanteh Wale
“I cant help but do a little happy dance for the savvy team behind Yangarra when I crack the seal on the Ovitelli Blanc. Grenache Blanc in capable hands YAY. This is a blend of 73% Grenache Blanc and 27% Roussanne and it makes sense in the old country of McLaren Vale. Like anything Yangarra does, there is thought, consideration, trials and a purpose behind each decision made both in the vineyard and winery. Its no surprise then that the fruit is handled with a portion macerated on skins for over 110 days, some batches whole bunch pressed and other elements with the finest pressure imaginable. All parts into ceramic eggs for fermentation. Sounds like a lot of work and you bet it is. However, what you are left with is a bouquet of alluring white gardenia, Cape jasmine and aloe vera gel. Star fruit, winter melon and mangosteen. All of this before a rattle of what you thought you knew of textural white wines. A lustrous and creamy palate that winds down your tongue. With hints of bee pollen, whey and almond meal, this has the force of a fighter jet with the soft wing flutter of a night owl. Its dynamic and pristine. Im completely enamoured. Drink with..hmmm .. geez something bloody brilliant made by someone very talented. Or perhaps the sweetest scallop nigiri placed at room temperature in your hand by the Sushi master.” 9 June 2023

Inspired by the textural white wines of the Southern Rhne, Ovitelli Blanc brings these traditional varieties together in blended harmony. Gently fermented and aged with skin contact in large ceramic eggs. The growing season was affected by a very hot spring, leading to the lowest yields on record. As the grapes started their ripening process the weather miraculously cooled to a very mild ripening season. This resulted in wonderful concentration of flavour, retention of natural acidity and brightness of fruit, but above all, beautiful finesse and balanced tannins.