2021 Otium

Notes from the importer, Living Wines…
Otium 2021 is predominantly Grenache, made from the old vines planted by Laurent’s grandfather in 1949, almost 72 years ago. The vines are in the Rivesaltes district. These vines therefore have the ability to produce wines of complexity and charm. It is so good to see vines of this age being productive and providing grapes for interesting wines such as this. Unfortunately, the undeniable increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is leading to new vines growing more quickly and therefore lacking the cellular structure required for them to last many years. Some recently planted vineyards have been failing after 15 years! For 2021, Otium also has some Grenache Gris and Macabeu. They picked all the grapes at the same time, the whole bunches were slightly crushed by foot, to release some juice, and had 4 days of maceration. The reason for the short maceration is that Laurent and Melissa do not want too much extraction to occur so that the wine is not too tannic. Laurent describes it as a kind of semi-carbonic maceration. The wine was matured in a large stainless steel tank. The wine has just arrived in Australia and a few hours later we held a tasting and the wine was perfect. It is light, ethereal and absolutely clean and delicious! This wine has no additions, 12% alcohol, including no added sulphites, and no filtration or fining.