Smallfry

As the name suggests, this winery is but a drop in the ocean of Australian wine. But oh what a drop! Smallfry is a partnership in business and life between Suzi Hilder and Wayne Ahrens, viticulturists bitten by the winemaking bug. Wayne and Suzi own two very special vineyards, one in Eden Valley and the other in Barossa’s Vine Vale subregion in the valley floor. The Eden Valley vineyard has been established since 1994 while the Vine Vale block has been in the family for generations, with the last incumbent putting in 52 vintages before hanging up his snips. In other words…the vines are old, some dating back to the 1850s and certainly amongst the oldest still in production in the new world! Out of resepct for these amazing vineyards cellar work is minimal with the intention of letting the vineyard do the talking: native yeast ferments, zero to minimal adjustment, and old oak. Their style is food friendly, European-influenced (Wayne spent part of his youth in Spain), with an eye to balance and subtlety.