Tasting Notes 🍇

• Colour: Deep mahogany with amber edges and a rich, viscous appearance.
• Aromatics: Intense aromas of roasted coffee bean, burnt toffee, dark chocolate and molasses.
• Palate: Opulent and silky, bursting with flavours of caramelised fig, espresso, dried dates and vanilla. The sweetness is beautifully offset by a fine acid line, creating length, balance and lift. Complex, layered and deeply satisfying.

Viticulture & Winemaking

🔹 Region: Swan Valley, Western Australia
🔹 Vineyards: Multiple old-vine sites, aged up to 60 years
🔹 Variety: 100% Pedro Ximénez
🔹 Harvest: 100% hand-picked once berries are naturally raisined on vine
🔹 Fermentation: Open-top fermenters with 10 days on skins before basket pressing
🔹 Fortification: Spirit added at pressing to retain natural sweetness
🔹 Maturation: Solera system; 5–20 years in French and American oak barrels
🔹 Alcohol: 18.5% | pH: 3.55 | T.A.: 5.5 g/L
🔹 Average Age: 10 years
🔹 Bottle Size: 500ml

Sustainability & Heritage 🌱

Sittella’s fortified program draws on century-old Swan Valley vineyards — dry-grown bush vines that thrive in loam, clay and coffee-rock soils. Minimal intervention, gravity handling and careful blending honour the traditional methods that have defined the region’s winemaking for generations.

Serving & Cellaring ❄️

• Serving Temperature: 14°C – ideal for dessert or contemplation.

• Glassware: Small tulip or port glass to focus aromatics.

• Cellaring Potential: Enjoy now or cellar indefinitely; it will continue to evolve and darken with age.

• Storage Tip: Store upright, away from light and temperature fluctuations.

Food Pairing Suggestions 🍽️

🔹 Vanilla bean ice cream drizzled with Pedro Ximénez reduction.
🔹 Sticky date pudding or dark chocolate fondant.
🔹 Blue cheese with caramelised walnuts.
🔹 Dried figs, almonds and roasted hazelnuts.

FAQ Wine Terms 🧐

❓ What is a Solera system?
A fractional blending process where young wine is continuously added to older barrels, creating a consistent, multi-layered style with incredible depth.

❓ Why does Pedro Ximénez thrive in the Swan Valley?
Its Spanish origins suit the Swan’s hot, dry climate perfectly, producing intensely flavoured, naturally sweet fruit.

❓ How long will it last once opened?
Thanks to its high sugar and alcohol, this fortified will remain fresh for several months if re-sealed and stored cool.

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.