Wines

Bress wines are produced from grapes that have been grown using biodynamic farming practices.  This fruit is then handcrafted to reflect the varietal characters and the sense of place that each parcel of fruit expresses.

2009 Gold Chook Macedon Pinot Noir

The Name
Whilst living and winemaking in the Yarra Valley, I discovered the joys of breeding and showing chickens.  This passion led me to visit France in 1996 to witness first hand their traditional methods of breeding chickens and I dedicate our wines to the famous chickens of France and what they represent – artisan production using traditional, age old methods.

The Vineyards
This Pinot Noir was grown at three vineyards in the Mount Macedon Ranges.  The Mount Macedon vineyard is situated 5 kilometres south east of Woodend and at 650 metres above sea level and is one of the coolest sites in the Macedon Ranges. The vine clones are MV6 and Mariafeldt and are 20 years old.  Chanter’s Ridge Vineyard is twelve years old and is situated approximately 15 kilometres west of Woodend and is planted to D5V12 clone. Kyneton Ridge Estate vineyard is fifteen years old and is situated 8 kilometres north of Kyneton and is planted to MV6 clone

Winemaking
My winemaking belief is that good fruit should be treated gently and with minimal intervention.  The Bress 2009 ‘Gold Chook’ Macedon Pinot Noir was treated in this manner.  A combination of whole bunch and gently destemmed fruit fermentations occurred in open fermenters.   Fermentation was slow and was conducted by indigenous yeast strains. Hand plunging occurred three times a day.  Post pressing the wine was transferred to French oak hogsheads for malolactic fermentation.  Following malolactic fermentation the wine was barrel to barrel racked.  Prior to bottling the wine was transferred to tank and allowed to settle.  The Bress 2009 ‘Gold Chook’ Macedon Pinot Noir was bottled without fining and may produce a harmless sediment.

This Bress 2009 ‘Gold Chook’ Macedon Pinot Noir was bottled using a Screw Cap closure.

Using a Screw Cap closure is our attempt to ensure that our wine is presented free of cork characters (good or bad) and that the full aroma and flavour of this wine is expressed.  

Tasting Notes:

Colour:  Youthful, vibrant and deep garnet.

Aroma:  The wine offers a complex array of fruit aromas of plum, cherry and forest floor.   The oak aromas are of char and spice.

Palate:  This Pinot Noir has fruit flavours of plum, cherry and forest floor.  The oak characters are integrated into the wine and add a savoury richness.

Whilst enjoyable now, this wine will reward careful cellaring for up to 6 years.