Italian born, Giacomo was known as the King of all Jesters. Quick witted and a skilled performer, he delighted audiences with his magical acts, juggling, story-telling, music and sorcery. Jester to the Duke’s Court, he spent his early years surrounded by the castle’s opulence and grandeur. Promiscuous by nature, in 1575 he was promptly banished due to scandalous behaviour involving the duke’s daughter. Giacomo Rosé ‘Jester’ celebrates the era where boredom was alleviated through humour and the banal through intellect.

Vineyard
The vineyards are in the Willunga district in the southern end of McLaren Vale. The heavy grey loam soils over sandstone, intermixed with black Biscay clay, combined with a maritime climate, contribute to an even ripening period and the development of rich fruit flavours and ripe tannins.

Vintage - 2009
A thirteen day heat wave in late January and early February saw the 2009 Vintage begin in first week of February. Cool, dry conditions during berry ripening in most of the district were conducive to excellent flavour, colour and phenolic development. In general, the timing of the heatwave affected vineyards with lighter canopies and crop loads and those on thin or highly reflective soils and crops in the earlier ripening areas.

Due to the early start to vintage, there were some difficulties handling both reds and whites through the wineries and this resulted in overall volume in the region being below average. Cabernet Sauvignon excelled, showing strong varietal characters, full bodied, balanced palate weight and an amazing perfume. Shiraz produced a more medium-bodied style showing restraint and elegance, with lifted red berry aromas and spice.

Winemaking
A combination of whole berry and low fermentation temperatures contribute a lifted bouquet. The juice is left on skins for 3 days, then using free run only, drained off and fermentation occurs at low temperatures for 3 weeks. The wine is then cold stabilised and filtered before bottling.

Tasting Note
The 2009 Jester Rose is a light pink/salmon colour and shows attractive aromas of flowers, strawberries and zesty freshness. The palate is dry, yet balanced with rich berry fruits and fine acidity.

Cellaring
Best opened within 2 years of release.

Tasting Notes
Jester Sangiovese Rosé | 2009 (630k)