Winemaking is more than a process—it’s a blend of art, science, and passion. At Snowco, every bottle reflects our unwavering commitment to quality and the unique characteristics of the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. From vine to bottle, our winemaking process is designed to preserve the purity of the grapes while enhancing their natural flavors and aromas.
The journey begins in the vineyard. At Snowco, we handpick our grapes to ensure only the best make it into our wines. Timing is everything—each grape is harvested at the peak of ripeness to capture its full potential. The cool mornings of Barossa and McLaren Vale allow us to maintain the grapes' freshness and prevent premature fermentation.
Why It Matters:
Handpicking minimizes bruising and ensures only the highest-quality fruit is selected, preserving the integrity of the wine from the very beginning.
Once the grapes arrive at the winery, they are gently crushed to release their juice. Fermentation begins as natural yeast or carefully selected strains convert the sugars into alcohol, unlocking the complex flavors and aromas hidden within each grape.
What Makes It Unique:
The fermentation process is closely monitored by Lang and Jim Clarke, ensuring temperature control and precise timing. This step is where the unique terroir of Barossa and McLaren Vale shines through, with subtle differences in soil, climate, and sunlight shaping the wine’s character.
After fermentation, the wine is aged in premium French oak barrels for up to 18 months. This critical stage allows the wine to develop complexity, depth, and balance. The oak imparts delicate flavors of vanilla, spice, and smokiness, perfectly complementing the rich fruit notes.
The Snowco Difference:
Our winemakers carefully select each barrel to match the wine’s flavor profile, ensuring a harmonious balance between the oak and the fruit. This step also allows the tannins to soften, giving the wine its signature silky texture.
Blending is where the artistry truly comes alive. Lang and Jim combine wines from different barrels, each contributing unique characteristics, to create a final blend that embodies the essence of Snowco. The wine is then bottled with precision, sealing in its quality and preparing it for cellaring or immediate enjoyment.
Final Touch:
Every bottle is a testament to Snowco’s dedication to excellence, carrying the legacy of our vineyards and the skill of our team to wine lovers around the world.
At Snowco, winemaking isn’t just about creating a product—it’s about crafting an experience. Every step of the process is guided by our respect for the land and our passion for innovation. The result is a wine that captures the essence of its terroir, offering a rich, balanced, and unforgettable experience in every sip.
Join us on this journey and discover the art behind Snowco wines—crafted with care, passion, and precision.
