Swan Valley Verdelho 2023

Acclaim

Critically Acclaimed
Ray Jordan Review – 95 Points
“Sensational! This year’s Verdelho is an absolute standout, with free-run juice contributing to its crisp, crunchy character. Aromas of stone fruit, cumquat, and orange zest. The palate bursts with nectarine and citrus, finishing with sustained complexity.”

Halliday Wine Review – 93 Points
“Verdelho is often overlooked, but in the hands of a maestro, this wine shines. With tropical fruitiness, depth, texture, and poise, it balances medium-weight fleshiness with chalky minerality and finishes luxuriously with spice and herbal notes. A triumph!”

🍷 Tasting Notes

• Appearance
  Brilliant pale gold with green tinges, showcasing its youth and vibrancy.

• Aroma
  Aromas of stone fruit, cumquat, and a lift of orange zest provide a delightful bouquet.

• Palate
  A medium-bodied wine with flavours of nectarine, citrus, and subtle minerality, leading to a refreshing and savoury finish.

• Finish
  Long, luxurious finish with a hint of spice and herbal inflection, lingering beautifully on the palate.

🍽️ Food Pairing

• Seafood – Perfect with fresh oysters, grilled fish, or prawns.
• Salads and Light Bites – Pairs well with summer salads, goats cheese, or fresh Mediterranean dishes.
• Aged Cheeses – Complements soft cheeses like Brie or creamy feta, enhancing the wine’s texture and minerality.

🌍 Winemaking & Region

• Region: Swan Valley, WA
• Varietal: 100% Verdelho
• Winemaking Style: Cold-fermented with clean free-run juice for a pure expression of the variety. While it is released young, it has significant aging potential.

🌡️ Serving Temperature

• Best served chilled at 10°C.
  If stored in the fridge, leave out for 5-10 minutes prior to drinking.

🤔 FAQ Wine Terms

• What is “free-run juice”?
  Free-run juice refers to the first juice that is extracted from the grapes, which is often considered the purest and best quality juice.

• Why is this Verdelho so complex?
  The wine showcases a rare balance of tropical fruit, citrus, minerality, and subtle savoury notes, giving it a depth and complexity not usually seen in this varietal.

• How does Verdelho age?
  While the 2023 Verdelho is already exceptional, it will develop even greater complexity over the next 5 years, rewarding your patience with honeyed and nuanced flavours.

Faber Vineyard Verdelho 2023 is an elegant and refreshing expression of the Swan Valley, offering a rich and layered profile that evolves with every sip. It’s the perfect wine for those seeking both vibrancy and complexity in their glass.

Learn About Faber Vineyard

Faber Vineyard in the Swan Valley is fast becoming one of the region’s most prestigious. 11 acres was planted by John & Jane in 1998-2000 and in 2016-2017. Three quarters of the vines are Shiraz, Verdelho and Brown Muscat, the balance Petit Verdot and Chardonnay.

Faber Vineyard was established in 1997 by John Griffiths and Jane Micallef. “Faber” is derived from the Latin word for “craft.” This name was chosen because they perceive winemaking as an art, a skill that is continuously honed but never truly perfected.

Before settling in the Swan Valley, John Griffiths spent ten years mastering the craft of creating highly enjoyable wines in warm climates. Recognising the Swan Valley’s unique ability to yield delicate, refined white wines, robust red wines with generous flavours and longevity, and sumptuously rich liqueur styles, he was drawn to the region. As he refined his winemaking prowess, he delved into the established grape varieties and wine styles that boasted over a century of development and triumph in the Swan Valley.

The Swan Valley delivers wonderful ripe fruit, warm and concentrated flavours and soft tannins. Faber has structured wines that are flavoursome and drinkable, with the ability to develop and improve in bottle. The approach to winemaking is simple and uncomplicated – starting with outstanding fruit quality, attention to detail, and literally hand making all our wines.

Read the latest Ray Jordan Faber Wine Reviews Here

Swan Valley Wine Region

Historical Roots:

The roots of winemaking in the Swan Valley trace back to the early 19th century when European settlers recognised the region’s potential for viticulture. The Mediterranean climate, characterised by warm, dry summers and mild winters, provided an ideal environment for cultivating grapes. Italian and Croatian immigrants, in particular, played a pivotal role in establishing the first vineyards and wineries, introducing their traditional winemaking techniques to the fertile soils of the Swan Valley. The first vines were planted in 1829, making the Swan Valley Australia’s second oldest wine growing region. For the next 150 years, it was WA’s only wine region. And it is still the only wine region in the world, within a 25-minute drive of a major capital city.

Soil and Climate:

The Swan Valley’s terroir is shaped by its unique combination of soils and climate. The soil is predominantly sandy loam, providing excellent drainage for the vines. The warm climate, moderated by the nearby Indian Ocean, creates an optimal grape-growing environment. These factors contribute to the distinct characteristics of Swan Valley wines, marked by bold flavours and a vibrant acidity. Winter generally receives 550-700mm of rain per annum, with the majority falling from June to September. Climate pattens found on the East Coast like El Nino and La Nina have little influence on the region. Instead, winter and spring rain is effected by another climate driver called ‘SAM’ or Southern Annual Mode. Put simply this is the Low Pressure systems that hug Antarctica get pushed further North increasing rain to Southern parts of Western Australia.

You can learn more about this climate driver here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/sam/

Changes Over the Last 50 Years:

The past century has witnessed significant changes in the Swan Valley’s winemaking landscape. Technological advancements, changes in viticultural practices, and evolving consumer preferences have influenced the types of grapes grown and the styles of wine produced. The shift towards sustainable and organic practices is also evident, reflecting a commitment to preserving the region’s natural beauty.

Current Trends and Future Directions:

In recent years, Swan Valley wineries have embraced innovation while honouring traditional winemaking techniques. Boutique wineries, in particular, are gaining popularity, offering visitors a more intimate and personalised tasting experience. The region is also witnessing a surge in the production of alternative varieties, catering to a diverse range of palates. As the global wine industry evolves, Swan Valley remains at the forefront of quality and innovation

You can read the latest Swan Valley wine reviews HERE