Domenica Beechworth Gamay 2024
The Wine
Peter describes Sorrenberg’s Gamay as a benchmark Gamay in Beechworth, yet surprisingly only three Beechworth vineyards have Gamay in the ground, including Sorrenberg and now Domenica who grafted over a small amount of vines. Two separate ferments, one fully destemmed and the other 30% whole bunch with lots of punch overs. Basket pressed to oak on lees for about 10 months before cross flow filtration, bottled unfiltered in February 2023.
The wine is super bright and perfumed but without the confectionery. Lots of bright purple fruit and that granitic terroir derived earthiness. Fine tannins, structure and minerality resemble the great cru Beaujolais wines of Morgon. Drink or hold for a few years but definitely don't miss out. 200 dozen total production - A rising super star wine in the making!
94 Pts Gary Walsh, Wine Front 'Companion "Raspberry, black cherry, hazelnut, a bit spicy and autumnal too, mint and dried flowers, but you know what, it most certainly speaks to the grape variety, and also has a cool steel-like inflection, which is very nice. It's medium-bodied, succulent, red and black fruited, a bit earthy and nutty, balanced acidity, with a fine sooty tannin finish of excellent length offering some almond paste richness. Yum. So good.'
94 Pts Halliday Wine Companion 'Fermented in open top concrete tank, 15% whole bunches with de-stemmed berries left uncrushed for gentle extraction, 9 months maturation in foudre and barrique. The maker sees gamay as a natural fit for Beechworth. You have to agree. It combines the fineness of red berried expression with an extra depth of fruit concentration that is impressive. Mixes a touch of savouriness, an autumnal blend of earthiness and leaves, with black cherries, cassis, dried herbs and a light pepperiness. Smooth as you like across the middle palate, finishing with a bright ping of acidity. Gamay gets serious.'
The Details
Variety - Gamay
Country - Australia
Region - Victoria
Sub Region - Beechworth
Extra - Screwcap
Year - 2024
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker 
Domenica sits 460m above sea level atop the granite ridge sweeping away to the south west of Beechworth. The wines are vividly reflective of their origin, a gripping mineral texture encasing the mature vine vitality of the varietals chosen to express it.
Winemaking is traditional. Taste is more important than numbers. The yeasts comes from the site, not a packet. Pressings, solids and lees all play their part completing the picture. The wines are carefully maintained in oak bariques before being bottled unfiltered.
Winemaker Peter Graham cut his teeth at nearby Giaconda, where he worked as assistant winemaker for thirteen years. During the early part of this time he completed a degree in wine science by correspondence through Charles Sturt University. - Winery Note
