Located in Red Hill on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, the Principia Wines vineyard site is stunning at an altitude of 220 metres and with a northeasterly aspect.
The fruit is processed using traditional winemaking techniques with no pumps used at any stage of the process. Both natural primary (yeast) and secondary (malolactic) fermentations are allowed to occur and the wine is not filtered.
A small crusher-de-stemmer is used for processing the Pinot Noir and fermentation occurs in open fermenters with hand plunging and pigeage. After approximately 20 days of total vat time, the must is pressed using a basket press. The wine is racked following malolactic fermentation and aged in French oak (using only Burgundian coopers) for a minimum of 18 months prior to bottling.
The Chardonnay is whole bunch pressed. It is settled for 24 hours before being transferred to barrel for fermentation. The wine is aged for 18 months in French oak with frequent barrel stirring.
The vines are not irrigated and no pesticides are used, the fruit is harvested by hand with the assistance of family and friends.
Winery tours are by appointment only.
