2014 Heartland 'Sposa e Sposa' Dolcetto & Lagrein

Heartland

Australia / Langhorne Creek / Heartland

Heartland Dolcetto & Lagrein takes on a new name and a new label for this, its 11th vintage. Since the 2013 release, $1 from every bottle sold has been donated to the campaign for Australian Marriage Equality. Lagrein and Dolcetto wanted to enter into an equal and binding relationship. Under Italian D.O.C. rules it's not possible for grapes from different regions to marry. In Langhorne Creek we believe in the freedom of grapes to choose their own relationship. Ben Glaetzer has married them together and we now pronounce them “Sposa e Sposa”.
Lagrein 54%, Dolcetto 46% from Langhorne Creek 100%. Lagrein shows great complexity now that the vines have some age. Look for blackberries and black spice. The Dolcetto softens the palate and offers a burst of fruit to please and entice. This is designed for immediate pleasure, but has enough structure for a few years of cellaring. The Dolcetto was cool fermented on skins for seven days before being crushed and matured in stainless steel in order to preserve the fresh, floral notes of the variety. The Lagrein was matured new French oak barrels after fermentation to create a rounder, softer texture.

May, 2018

Silver medal, Decanter World Wine Awards

92 points

Plump dark fruit, spicy chocolate, peppery spice and oak nose. Complex palate, high acidity, dark juicy tannins and fresh finish.

August, 2017

Halliday Wine Companion 2018

90 points

A blend of lagrein and dolcetto which has been a staple Heartland combination for a few years now. Quite Italianate on the bouquet, the fruit having a savoury sort of vinosity, matched with a biscuity, nutty quality. A supple palate, mid-weight despite reasonably high alcohol, the flavours melding with light but grippy tannin. Just a fraction hot on the finish.

May, 2017

Ben Thomas

The Weekly Review

90 points

"Under Italian DOC rules, it is not possible for grapes from different regions to marry," reads the back label. This is a blend of Lagrein and Dolcetto, which would never be allowed in Italy. A dollar from every bottle goes to support the campaign for marriage equality. This is quite the marriage - blackberry and plum aromas are supported by oak and spice.

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About Heartland

The cool climate of Langhorne Creek typifies Australia at its finest. Heartland grows and selects grapes with the most flavour per acre through careful vineyard management and years of collective expertise. The brilliant Ben Glaetzer gives focus and expression to these flavours in the winery. This results in wines of intensity, texture and balance. The Spice Trader blend and varietal reds offer delightful drinking and attractive, pure expressions of their cool-climate origins. The unique blend of Dolcetto & Lagrein captures the imagination with its freshness and intense cherry fruit. The new Director’s Cut Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and harmonious, like its multiple award-winning Shiraz counterpart. Heartland One is a sublime blend of intense Cabernet Sauvignon and lush Shiraz, creating the ultimate expression of Langhorne Creek.

About

Ben Glaetzer has been making wines for over 20 years and his family history is intertwined with Australian wine making, and the Barossa Valley in particular. Indeed it was through the family connection of his uncle Johnny that Ben was introduced to the cool climate growing region of Langhorne Creek. This association has allowed Ben to explore completely new aspects of his winemaking abilities and create subtle, balanced reds with a true lightness of touch. Heartland sources all its grapes from Langhorne Creek, both from its own vines and those of old friends. The multiple awards and critical acclaim Heartland wines have attracted has been a bonus. The true pleasure is being part of one of Australia’s oldest and greatest regions and helping to showcase its great gifts to Australia and the world.