The cooler regions of McLaren Vale produce highly aromatic fruit. Throughout it's rich and colourful history, Tatachilla has intuitively understood the potential of this maritime area with its rich soils and cooling sea breezes. McLaren Vale's climate is defined by the region's proximity to the sea and is distinctly Meditteranean. The vines of Tatachilla bask in sunlight, and are gently cooled by late afternoon sea breezes off the Gulf of St Vincent, and the gully winds rolling down the lower ranges.
Tatachilla's vineyards are scattered amongst the sloping hills and tapered basin of McLaren Vale. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are king, and form the backbone of Tatachilla's collective of crafted, silky textured wines. The abundant variety of soils encourage a kaleidoscope of flavours, whilst the cooling ocean air and rolling gully winds cool the sun-warmed grapes, allowing them to reach their full flavour potential without over-ripening. The influences intertwine to develop fruit that creates wines silky in texture, supple in the mouth and vibrant with rich fruit flavours.
The McLaren Vale's rich tapestry of soils veer from red soil over limestone near the Gulf St Vincent to ironstone in the heart of the Vale. The bright patchwork of olive groves, avocado orchards and rows of vines impart a Mediterranean flavour to the grapes. A small, diverse community of growers, winemakers and providers –rooted in McLaren Vale's heritage– trumpet the region's reputation as one renowned not only for its wines, but also its local produce and fine food.
The young and talented French winemaker, Fanchon Ferrandi, is leading Tatachilla to its next chapter. With a sweeping international perspective free from cultural rules, her winemaking essence lies in integrating innovation and technology with a healthy regard for the vineyard. Matching innovation with a respect for the past, Fanchon crafts wines which truly express the rich silken fruit qualities that wear the thumbprint of the McLaren Vale.
Tatachilla wines wear the thumbprint of McLaren Vale. The red wines of the McLaren Vale range exude the intensity of regional Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot with the velvety touch unique to McLaren Vale. The award-winning flagship Foundation Shiraz, sourced from low yielding McLaren Vale vines, epitomises the richness and concentration of superbly ripened McLaren Vale fruit. The Keystone range of Tatachilla pairs innovative winemaking techniques with traditionalist grape and wine styles to create succulent, food-friendly wines that evoke the Mediterranean energy of McLaren Vale.
Tatachilla's dynamic duos of Shiraz, married with the aromatic Viognier, and Cabernet, woven with the earthy Sangiovese, constitute succulent innovative wines blended in the modern Mediterranean style. The lightly oaked Chardonnay and the McLaren Vale classic, Grenache Shiraz, are vibrant food-friendly favourites. Partners Cabernet Shiraz and Growers Semillon Sauvignon Blanc are bursting with the fresh fruit vitality and easy drinking consistency of premium fruit sourced from South Australian vineyards. Tatachilla is well recognised for its full flavoured, lifted white wines and its championing of emerging varietals such as Sangiovese, Arneis, Barbera, Viognier and Vermentino.
"Tatachilla was reborn in 1995 but has had an at-times tumultuous history going back to 1903. Between 1903 and '61 the winery was owned by Penfolds. It was closed in 1961 and reopened in '65 as the Southern Vales Co-operative. In the late 1980s it was purchased and renamed The Vales but did not flourish; in 93 it was purchased by local grower Vic Zerella and former Kaiser Stuhl chief executive Keith Smith. After extensive renovations, the winery was officially reopened in 1995 and won a number of tourist awards and accolades. It became part of Banksia Wines in 2001, in turn acquired by Lion Nathan!" -Wine Companion.com.au
