# Violet Hour Shiraz (2022)

- **Producer:** Bondar Wines
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Shiraz
- **Region:** South Australia, Australia
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black plum, spice, black cherry, blackcurrant, raspberry, red cherry, cloves, cedar, vanilla, earth, leather, meat

## About this wine

The Violet Hour Shiraz from Bondar Wines is a 100% Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia. The wine's name is inspired by the twilight sky during the initial harvest of this bottling. Bondar Wines, a family venture by Andre Bondar and Selina Kelly, aims to produce wines that are lighter, brighter, and more intriguing, having been recognized as James Halliday's Best New Winery in 2017. This particular wine is crafted using fruit from the Rayner vineyard, featuring vines up to 70 years old, and is a contemporary expression of the classic McLaren Vale Shiraz style, emphasizing a lighter touch while retaining regional generosity. The 2022 vintage benefited from a cool, even ripening season in McLaren Vale, contributing to the wine's fragrant and spice-driven profile.

## Interesting facts

- Named after the magical twilight sky during harvest.
- Fruit sourced from vines up to 70 years old.
- Minimal chemical inputs used in farming.
- No new oak barrels were used for aging.

## Food pairing

The wine's structure and savory notes complement rich proteins, while its bright acidity cuts through fattiness. Herbal and spice elements in the wine can echo or contrast with those in the dish, creating a harmonious dining experience.

## Wine making process

The Violet Hour Shiraz is made from 100% Shiraz grapes. The fruit is handpicked and undergoes wild fermentation using a combination of whole-bunch and destemmed portions, with fermentation taking place in stainless steel or oak barrels with temperature control. The duration of skin contact varies depending on the specific vineyard block. Following fermentation, the wine is matured for approximately 10 months in seasoned French oak barrels, with no new oak used for the 2022 vintage. It is then aged for a further six months in tank before being bottled without fining or filtration during the second winter after harvest.