Ministry of Clouds' 2024 McLaren Vale Picpoul

Ministry of Clouds, a boutique winery in McLaren Vale, South Australia, has introduced Picpoul, an ancient white grape variety traditionally grown along the Mediterranean coast since the 1300s. Renowned for its vibrant acidity and lemony zest, Picpoul thrives in sunny climates while maintaining refreshing qualities. Ministry of Clouds' 2024 McLaren Vale Picpoul showcases their commitment to crafting distinctive, terroir-driven wines.

The fruit for this wine is 100% estate-grown, planted into the ancient Onkaparinga Rocks of their vineyard—The Chase. Perched high atop the range overlooking McLaren Vale, the lean and rocky site is perfect for limiting Picpoul's potential yield. To provide further intensity, the vineyard was shoot-thinned, and bunches were dropped to ensure perfectly even ripening before being hand-picked to retain delicacy. Whole bunch pressed, settled by gravity, and rough racked to stainless steel, fermentation took place at cool temperatures with wild yeast. Twenty percent of the blend was fermented in neutral old oak to build further complexity, followed by five months on fine lees to enhance mid-palate texture and depth.

Appearance: Pale straw with delicate green hues, reflecting its youth and freshness. The wine exhibits brilliant clarity and a slight luminescence, with fine, quick-forming legs that suggest a light-bodied structure and vibrant acidity. Swirling in the glass, it shows a crisp, almost crystalline sheen, hinting at its mineral-driven nature and bright, citrus-led character.

Aroma: Refreshingly sherbet-like and gently aromatic, with lifted notes of white flowers, wax, nashi pear, and lime blossom. Subtle saline and mineral hints provide added complexity.

Taste: Crisp and vibrant, with an intense fleshy verbena line, complemented by the minerality of limestone, brine, and a subtle creaminess from the lees. Bright citrus and green apple flavours drive the palate, balanced by a mouthwatering acidity.

Finish: Clean and invigorating, with lingering citrus notes and a delicate saline quality that entices another sip. The fine texture and mineral edge add complexity to the long, refreshing finish.

Food Pairing:
Freshly shucked South Australian oysters, served natural or with a splash of Picpoul, where the wine’s acidity and saline notes enhance the briny freshness of the seafood.
Grilled calamari with lemon and olive oil, as the wine’s citrus and mineral qualities complement the dish’s delicate flavours.