Scintilla Wines “Mountain Special Ferment” Pinot Noir 2023
Short Summary:A refined, expressive 100% Pinot Noir from Organic Mt Bera Vineyard in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia, with juicy red fruit, earthy spice, subtle salinity and fine tannins — a natural, medium‑bodied red that highlights cool‑climate elegance and vineyard character.
About this wine
Scintilla Wines Mountain Special Ferment Pinot Noir 2023 is a small‑batch, minimal‑intervention red wine produced by Scintilla Wines, a South Australian natural wine project dedicated to organic farming, wild yeast fermentation and minimal manipulation. This cuvée comes from the top blocks of the Mt Bera Vineyard (Gumeracha, Adelaide Hills) — a cooler‑climate site that fosters delicate aromatic intensity and structured red fruit.
Grape variety & region
Grape: Pinot Noir — a noble red variety known for bright red cherry, raspberry and earthy spice character.
Region: Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia — cool‑to‑moderate climate vineyards that lend precision, fresh acidity and lifted aromatics in Pinot Noir.
Tasting notes
Medium‑bodied with expressive red fruit — think cherry, raspberry and brambly notes — layered with savory earth, subtle spice and saline‑tinged nuance. The palate shows finely textured tannins and balanced acidity, leading to a lingering, elegant finish that pairs well with food or casual sipping.
Style & winemaking
Made with a natural, minimal‑intervention approach, the fruit from Mt Bera Vineyard underwent a 50/50 blend of whole‑bunch and de‑stemmed fermentation, yielding a vibrant, expressive ferment. Gentle maceration and careful handling preserved varietal purity and regional intensity, with no fining or filtration and organic farming practices throughout.
Food pairing
Pairs beautifully with:
Roast duck or chicken with herb jus
Mushroom‑rich dishes (risotto, tagliatelle)
Grilled salmon or trout
Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert
Producer & region
Scintilla Wines is the creative project of winemaker James Madden, crafting expressive, hand‑made natural wines from organically and biodynamically farmed vineyards in Adelaide Hills and other South Australian regions. Their philosophy emphasises wild fermentations, minimal additions and letting vineyard character shine in every bottle.
Shipping & storage
Store in a cool, dark place, ideally at 14–18 °C. Best enjoyed 2025–2030 as the wine continues to evolve and its fine tannins integrate further.
FAQs
Q: What is the grape variety?A: 100% Pinot Noir.
Q: What region is this from?A: Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia.
Q: What style is this wine?A: A dry, medium‑bodied natural Pinot Noir with bright red fruit, earthy spice and elegant structure.
Scintilla Wines 'Mountain Special Ferment' Pinot Noir 2023
Pinot Noir
No preservatives, Unfined/Unfiltered, Biodynamic, and Organic
50/50 Whole bunch and de-stemmed
berries make up this 1 tonne ferment. Had a post ferment extension on
skins before being pressed. The healthiest and most expressive ferment
in this bottling. 20 months in bottle prior to this release.
Scintilla is the brand of winemaker James Madden. Desiring a career change, and having worked in the wine industry as a purveyor, it seemed logical for him to then become a maker. Many visits to the Adelaide Hills convinced him and his partner that it it was the right place to put down some roots.
All the grapes are sourced from uncertified organic/biodynamic vineyards, and the main focus is minimal intervention in many senses of the word, with absolutely gentle handling of the grapes and wine, and no fining, filtering or sulphur used.
