The 2017 Massena 'The Howling Dog' Saperavi has an impenetrable bright purple colour is what stands out straight away. Fresh tilled earth, graphite, earthy beetroot and dark plum sweetness combine for an intriguing bouquet. The upfront Satsuma plum piquancy evolves into grainy, ripe and mouth puckering tannin that ensures the cellaring pedigree for a decade or more.
Brand
Massena
Variety
Other Red Wine
Region
Barossa Valley
Country
Australia
Size
750 ml
Alcohol
14.5 %
Dry → Sweet
10%
Destemmed into open fermenters, left to spontaneously ferment, then pumped over sporadically for 10 days before some parcels see extended post fermentation maceration for up to 6 weeks. Extended skin contact integrates the tannins and produces a wine that is a lot softer and more approachable when young. Gentle basket pressing follows, with each vineyard parcel kept separate in 2nd and 3rd use French oak hogsheads until just prior to blending and bottling. An impenetrable bright purple colour is what stands out straight away. Fresh tilled earth, graphite, earthy beetroot and dark plum sweetness combine for an intriguing bouquet. The upfront Satsuma plum piquancy evolves into grainy, ripe and mouth puckering tannin that ensures the cellaring pedigree for a decade or more.
