Who makes it?

The Ochota Barrels label is the brainchild of Taras and Amber Ochota. Together, they have made this wine brand one that continues to intrigue lovers of the not so usual. The antithesis of boring, these wines dance to their own beat starting from a pinot grenache rose to an Adelaide Hills gamay. Their range has as much personality as the owners.  

This wine is just one of Ochota Barrel’s Grenache wines. Like a chapter in a Grenache’s extensive and long running McLaren Vale story. And fittingly, this particular chapter has a history of old vines at least sixty years old.

How they make it?

The grapes for The Fugazi are sourced from biodynamic goblet pruned vineyards. A large proportion of these berries were whole. Furthermore, it is made with indigenous yeasts with a long maceration. This is then followed by time in seasoned barrels.

What does it taste like?

The Fugazi Grenache is such a distinctive wine. It is wildly complex with fresh raspberry, floral perfume, cinnamon and orange peel. This intensity sits well with the ripe tannins. Despite the tannins having a gentle grip, the wine has an ever so silky texture. Without a doubt, it is a very elegant, textural red. The acid is soft and fresh and the length is long enough to sit and contemplate life over a glass.

What to drink with it?

This is a wine that deserves your time. The first glass is worth sipping without food to be able to enjoy the unfurling detail. However, if you were to choose a dish I think I would look to a truffle and field mushroom risotto or deliciously herb rubbed lamb chops.  

Quickie review « The perfumed depths of this wine makes it one to take your time to get to know. Its texture will certainly captivate you.»

Country of Origin: McLaren Vale, Australia 
Tasting Date: January 2020
Price:  £32 | USD$65 | AU$40 | €39
Drink: now – 5+ years
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

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