d’Arenberg The Feral Fox Pinot Noir

d’Arenberg The Feral Fox Pinot Noir – Great easy drinking Pinot Noir

The feral foxes that inhabit the Adelaide Hills have developed an appetite for grapes and can often be found eating low hanging bunches during vintage. We’re not fussed though as these bushy tailed critters act as crop thinners and enhance the quality of grapes that are too high for them to reach. It also has the secondary effect of providing a natural source of fertilisation when the laxative nature of the grapes take effect on the normally carnivorous foxes.

The nose on The Feral Fox is extremely pretty. Florals and desiccated strawberries take centre stage with a hint of sweet spice and wild mushrooms offering added complexity. Light on its feet but all the same displaying good fruit intensity and a fine backbone of chalky tannins. Well etched acidity adds to the overall freshness and appeal. A wonderful compliment to antipasto platters and duck dishes or simply enjoy this fine wine on its own.

To make this wine small batches of grapes are crushed gently and then transferred to two tonne headed down open fermenters. About 15% whole bunches are added and it undergoes approximately three days of cold soak prior to wild fermentation starting. Foot treading is undertaken on a regular basis throughout fermentation followed by gentle basket pressing. The wine is then transferred to older French oak barriques to complete primary and secondary fermentation. The wine is aged on lees for added complexity with no racking until final blending. The Feral Fox Pinot Noir does not undertake fining or filtration prior to bottling.

The wine has distinct characteristics. It is an assault on the senses led by an extremely hedonistic bouquet, bursting with cherry and strawberry notes. The purity of the fruit character is a feature and unmistakeably Pinot. The palate shows lovely medium bodied restraint but again is loaded with fruit characters including dark cherry, spice and a ripple of rhubarb. This is matched to a well etched acidity and velvety tannins.

Silky, sweet and pure, with vibrant cherry and red berry flavours and a brisk, juicy finish.

To see our full range of d’Arenberg product go to https://www.auswinesonline.co.uk/product-category/darenberg/

For more information on the winery go to https://www.darenberg.com.au/

d’Arenberg The Feral Fox Pinot Noir