Awards and Reviews 🏆

92 Points – Ray Jordan
“This is a more controlled and refined expression of the verdelho from the Swan Valley. The aromas have a floral, light stone fruit, and citrus edge. The palate is soft, yet with a fine, lively acidity that carries through to the finish. This is not a big fruit bomb, but there is flavour within, and it drives forward with precision and energy.”

Tasting Notes 🍇

• Aromatics
  Ripe guava, passionfruit and lemon zest lead the way, supported by floral notes of jasmine and honeysuckle. Hints of light stone fruit and citrus blossom add lift and elegance.
• Palate
  Bright and layered with a complex mix of tropical fruits and citrus. The mouthfeel is fresh and lively, with a talc like acidity that balances the ripe fruit characters and keeps the wine focused and precise.
• Finish
  Dry, zesty and persistent, with citrus, floral and tropical notes lingering on a long, refreshing finish.

Viticulture and Winemaking 🌱

• Region: Swan Valley, Western Australia

• Vineyard: Estate block, inaugural Berns family Verdelho planting (1993)

• Variety: 100 percent Verdelho

• Soil Type: Classic Houghton’s sands over clay and loam, renowned for quality white wines

Winemaking

• Hand picked fruit for maximum freshness and selection

• Whole bunch pressed directly to stainless steel

• Fermentation at no more than 15 degrees Celsius for a long, slow, cool ferment

• No oak, no residual sugar – a pure, dry and expressive Verdelho

• Focus on preserving varietal aromatics and the bright, layered mouthfeel typical of the grape

Technical Details

• Alcohol: 13.5 percent

• pH: 3.34

• TA: 7.28 g per litre

• Residual Sugar: 0.0 g per litre

• Drink: Now to 2035

Serving and Cellaring ❄️

• Serve: 8 to 10 degrees for maximum freshness and aromatics

• Cellaring:

  • Delicious now for its vibrant fruit and floral lift

  • Will age beautifully to 2035, gaining honeyed, toasty and nutty complexity while retaining its core of citrus and acid line

Food Pairing Suggestions 🍽️

• Grilled prawns with lemon, garlic and herbs

• Thai green curry with chicken or prawns

• Goat’s cheese with olives and marinated feta

• Salt and pepper squid with lime

• Mediterranean sharing plates with cured meats and soft cheeses

FAQ 🧐

Is it sweet like some Verdelho styles?
No. This is a dry Verdelho with 0.0 g per litre residual sugar, so you get ripe fruit flavour without sweetness.

What makes Swan Valley Verdelho special?
The warm climate and classic Houghton’s sands soils suit Verdelho perfectly, giving intense aromatics, ripe flavour and a naturally bright acid line.

Can I age it or should I drink it young?
You can absolutely age it. It is delicious young, but the structure, acidity and estate vine pedigree mean it will develop real complexity over the next decade.

A refined, estate grown Swan Valley Verdelho that honours the region’s history while showing a fresher, more poised modern style. 🍋🍈

Learn About Sittella Winery

Sittella Winery and vineyard are nestled in the heart of the Swan Valley, just a short 30-minute drive from Perth. The fertile soils and Mediterranean climate of the Swan Valley, characterised by hot dry summers and mild wet winters, provide ideal conditions for vine cultivation, resulting in a diverse range of rich, full-flavoured wines.

In the last two decades, the Margaret River Wine Region has gained global acclaim for producing some of Australia’s finest premium wines. Sittella sources fruit from Wildberry Springs and its own Margaret River Vineyard, as well as from the Frankland River region in the south.

Margaret River’s temperate maritime climate, featuring ample winter rainfall, moderate summer temperatures, and frost-free spring, offers optimal conditions for cultivating exceptional premium varietal wines. The vines thrive on undulating terrain, enriched by some of the region’s finest soils—red/brown, well-drained gravelly loams.

Catch up on the latest Ray Jordan Sittella Wine Reviews HERE

We can order in a Sittella Wine we don’t stock, email us at info@partnersinwine.com.au

The Swan Valley: A Rich Viticultural Heritage

The Swan Valley, located just northeast of Perth, is the oldest wine region in Western Australia and the second oldest in Australia. With a history that spans nearly two centuries, this region is celebrated for its diverse range of grape varietals that thrive in its unique climate and soil conditions.

Climate and Soil

The Swan Valley enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This climate is particularly conducive to grape growing, allowing for the development of complex flavours in the wines produced.

Soils

The region’s soils range from sandy loams to clay and ancient riverbank deposits rich in nutrients. This diversity contributes to the wide array of varietals that flourish here, enabling winemakers to craft wines with distinct characteristics.

Key Varietals of the Swan Valley

Chenin Blanc

One of the standout varietals in the Swan Valley is Chenin Blanc. Cultivated since the 1830s, this grape adapts well to local conditions, producing a variety of styles from dry to sweet. The cooler nights help retain acidity, resulting in fresh wines with floral and stone fruit notes.

Shiraz

Shiraz is a prominent varietal that flourishes in the region’s warm climate. Swan Valley Shiraz is typically bold and full-bodied, showcasing rich dark fruit flavours, pepper, and chocolate. The warm growing season allows for full ripeness, resulting in expressive, approachable wines.

Grenache

Grenache plays a significant role in the Swan Valley, known for its fruit-driven wines with bright red fruit flavours and subtle spice. The grape’s adaptability allows for both varietal wines and blends, characterised by their juicy profiles and smooth tannins.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Though not as historically significant as Chenin Blanc or Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon has gained prominence in the Swan Valley. The warm days and cooler nights facilitate balanced wines with rich berry flavours, structured tannins, and good ageing potential.

Fortified Wines

The Swan Valley is also renowned for its exceptional fortified wines, particularly Apera (formerly known as Sherry) and Port. These wines benefit from the warm climate, resulting in intense flavours and richness. Traditional techniques combined with the unique terroir contribute to their distinctive profiles.

Commitment to Sustainability

Many wineries in the Swan Valley are embracing sustainable viticulture practices, including organic and biodynamic farming. This focus on sustainability enhances the terroir and contributes to the production of high-quality wines, benefiting both the environment and the region’s reputation in the global market.