Presenting a series of Sunday's showcasing the stories from Wine, Beer & Spirits of the Fleurieu.

These are reproduced with permission from Soul Publishing and Rojina Duval.

These stories feature prominent farmers, fishermen, producers and chefs – from Port Noarlunga to Cape Jervis – along with their favourite recipes and tips. Enjoy!

The Scarpantoni family originates from the Abruzzi region of central Italy on the Adriatic coast. “Our parents immigrated in 1954 and established themselves as grape growers in McLaren Vale,” says Michael Scarpantoni, director and production manager for Scarpantoni Estate Wines.

After planting their first vines in McLaren Vale in 1958, the Scarpantonis purchased another 20-hectare block in McLaren Flat on the site of one of the first schools in South Australia. It was there, in 1979, that the family built their own winery and established their own label.

“Establishing the winery was a natural progression as the family grew,” says Michael, who grew up there along with brother Filippo, director and vineyard manager.

“Growing up in the region has given us a greater understanding of the different soil types and where to plant the different grape varieties to ensure the best results,” says Filippo.

“Wine generally makes people happy and it also gives you a passport to the world. It’s very satisfying to create a product from the ground up, usually taking years to finish, and then see it enjoyed all over the planet over decades of time,” says Filippo.

Scarpantoni Estate Wines now has 40 hectares under vines and currently produces approximately 40,000 dozen wines per year.

The winery is very much a family business with every step of production, from viticulture to the packaged product, done entirely on the premises. This gives the family total control over every stage of the winemaking process and ensures that the highest standards are maintained.

“We’ve always been at the pioneering front of wine varieties, techniques and styles,” says Michael. “We want to continue to do so, even while still producing our staples.” 

CELLAR DOOR

“When you visit our cellar door, you will experience a true functioning winery – you may even find yourself parking your car amongst vineyard machinery and bottles. At harvest time, you will capture all the sights and smells of the ferments, winery activity and the grape harvest, and you can also hear the clinking of bottles on the bottling line from the cellar door.

“The tasting room is only about wine, not food, and our cellar door people are all loyal, long-term, experienced workers or winemakers who know everything about our unique wines.”

PAIRING

“Shiraz is the essence of McLaren Vale. Our Block 3 Shiraz, produced from our oldest-surviving vines, captures the rich, ripe blackcurrant flavours that make this variety unique to the world. Pair it with a juicy Angus Rump steak!”

ADDRESS: 21 Scarpantoni Drive, McLaren Flat

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