Summary: Bumblebee encapsulates all that a healthy partnership with the environment can be – a harmony with nature through organic, sustainable and vegan friendly practices that allow all to flourish – the vines, the plants and the animals. The Bumblebee wines have been created by Con-Greg Grigoriou and Corey Ryan to be classically and varietally expressive styles that are approachable and well balanced.
Vineyards: The moderate, dry climate with very low rainfall during autumn and fertile soils is perfect suited to Organic Viticulture. The well established vines (up to thirty years of age) are planted widely apart for airflow to minimise disease pressure and minimal drip irrigation ensures low yielding fruit with rich flavours and varietal expressiveness
Winemaking: Fruit is harvested during the early morning hours to retain freshness and partially whole bunch pressed. A fast and precise vinification in stainless steel with minimal oxygen contact maximises fruit expression and aromatics. A cool fermentation (15 to 18 degrees) is undertaken in stainless steel tanks before maturation on lees for four months.
Vintage 2020: 2020 had its challenges with a dry start and only a small portion of rain and with much of the country suffering drought conditions. The warm dry spell continued in December with some extreme hot temperature days recorded. Thankfully due to one of the coolest January’s on record the vines were able to re-address the balance. It was a late ripening year and yields were down but despite the challenges it will be another excellent vintage across South Australia.
Tasting Note: Light green in colour with fresh and fruit-driven aromas of citrus and nectarine with subtle creamy notes. The palate is likewise fruit-driven and elegant with excellent purity. Stone-fruits and citrus flavours build to a pleasingly round mouth-feel before being carried to a dry finish by fresh acidity. A very well balanced and attractive Chardonnay that will be a versatile companion to a wide range of seafood and white meats.