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Mitolo

Jester Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

McLaren Vale

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Jester Cabernet is a “baby” Serpico, the top Mitolo Cabernet produced using an Amarone drying process. For the Jester Cabernet, 25% of the grapes are left to dry on 10 kg drying racks for 7 weeks and 3 days in the traditional Amarone winemaking method. Jester Cabernet is upfront and approachable, delivering excellent quality for the price.

 

 

VINEYARD

Jester Cabernet vineyards are located at the southern end of McLaren Vale, close to the town of Willunga. The soil here is mostly black Biscay clay and sits above ancient Gnaltinga formation bedrock. This clay topsoil holds water in winter and spring leading to strong growth. In the summer it becomes very dry, so dry it cracks up stressing the vines which leads to intense flavor. A combination of cool sea breezes and gully winds help to temper the warm summer days giving ideal conditions for growing fruit of intensity and balance.

WINEMAKING

Approximately 25% of the grapes used are dried for 7-8 weeks prior to fermentation. The drying process concentrates the flavor and provides a fine tannin structure to the wine. The remaining grapes are fermented on the skins for 6 – 10 days, at cool temperatures, to enhance pure berry fruit. The wine is stored in old oak barrels, mainly French, for 18 months before the blend is assembled and the wine is bottled with minimal fining or filtration.

VINTAGE

A drier than average growing season for the third consecutive year, which contributed to lower yields across the board. The season commenced with good winter rainfall, but a dry spring followed reducing vine vigour.

TASTING NOTE

Bright and fresh with signature Cabernet Sauvignon characteristics of red capsicum, menthol, violet and mixed herbs. Full bodied and mouth filling with juicy red cherry, blackcurrant and cassis, intertwined with savory dark chocolate and tobacco. The Amarone component adds to a textured finish.

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon

Appellation

McLaren Vale

Alcohol

14.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$26.00

Trade Materials

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Other Wines by this Producer

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Savitar Shiraz

McLaren Vale

“Savitar” is a mythical dragon-like monster, and this wine is so named because of the impression Frank Mitolo and Ben Glaetzer had upon tasting one particular lot in the Willunga vineyard. They were so blown away they decided to make a Shiraz from just the small lot, and Savitar was created.

Serpico Cabernet Sauvignon

McLaren Vale

“Serpico” was a famous New York police officer who wasn’t afraid to ‘work against the grain’. With Serpico, Mitolo aims to step outside its peers and redefine the accepted style of Cabernet making. Serpico is a 100% Cabernet made in the Amarone method to achieve intense aromas, and a concentrated viscous middle palate with soft and silky tannins.

Angela

McLaren Vale

The Lopresti Family growers have provided fruit for Mitolo from the very beginning. Sourced from Sandra’s Block, matriarch of the Lopresti family, this wine is a tribute to Frank Mitolo's mother, Angela, matriarch of the Mitolo family.

G.A.M.

McLaren Vale

G.A.M. represents the first initial of each of Frank Mitolo children's first names - Gemma, Alex and Marco - and G.A.M. was the first and remains the flagship wine of the estate. A Shiraz that embodies the Mitolo credo: strong and gentle. Uncompromising intensity and depth, supple complexity of fruit and savory flavors.

Marsican

McLaren Vale

Named after the rare Marsican bear, native to Frank’s father Bruno’s homeland, Abruzzo. The same bear can be seen in the night sky over Italy forming the Ursa Major – a constellation that has been a navigational reference point for ages. Marsican is a tribute to Frank Mitolo’s heritage and his father's enduring .influence and guidance.

Jester Vermentino

McLaren Vale

Frank Mitolo and Ben Glaetzer spent considerable time researching the choice of varietal for Mitolo's first white wine, and Vermentino was chosen as a grape that matches well with food and that would suit the McLaren Vale region. The maritime climate of McLaren Vale perfectly reflects that of the Mediterranean coastal districts of Corsica and Sardinia from which this varietal is best known. Warm days and cool, breezy nights allow for the grapes to develop balanced acidity and fresh fruit flavors.

Jester Shiraz

McLaren Vale

The Jester wines share the pedigree of the top Mitolo wines, but are more accessible and fruit-forward. Jester Shiraz is a blend of several blocks within the Lopresti vineyard in the Willunga district, all the way at the southern tip of McLaren Vale overlooking the coast. Intense, textured and shows pure dark fruit flavors.