Avani Wines

located in Red Hill South on the Mornington Peninsula, is a boutique winery founded by the Singh family. The name "Avani" is a Sanskrit word meaning "the earth," which perfectly encapsulates their philosophy of producing wines that are a pure and honest expression of their cool-climate terroir. Winemaking is led by Shashi Singh, who trained with Phillip Jones of Bass Phillip, and is now joined by her son, Rohit.

Winemaking Philosophy & Methods

Avani's philosophy is deeply rooted in minimal intervention to allow the grapes and the land to speak for themselves. Their approach is meticulous and low-tech, with an emphasis on creating wines of character that reflect the specific growing season.

• Vineyard Management: The estate vineyard at Red Hill South is managed using natural, biodynamic farmingpractices, without the use of chemicals or pesticides. The focus is on soil health, protecting indigenous microbes, and fostering a self-sufficient ecosystem. The vineyards are dry-grown, and yields are kept low to ensure concentrated fruit.

• Harvest: Grapes are hand-picked at optimal ripeness, prioritizing physiological ripeness (ripe skins, seeds, and stems) over just sugar levels, which helps to maintain lower alcohol and higher acidity in the final wines.

• Fermentation: The wines are made using indigenous (wild) yeasts that are naturally present on the grapes and in the winery. Fermentation is spontaneous and unfiltered.

• Additives & Filtration: A strict "no-fining, no-filtration" policy is followed. Sulfur is used very sparingly, and only when necessary for stability, with some wines being bottled entirely without it.

• Aging: Wines are aged in a combination of new and old French oak barrels, with the specific percentage of new oak varying by wine. They use a gentle approach, with some wines seeing extended maceration (pre and post fermentation) to build texture and complexity. The wines are bottled on-site.

Grapes & Wines

Avani produces two distinct ranges: the single-vineyard Avani wines and the sourced-fruit Amrit range. Their focus is on cool-climate varieties, often showcasing them in both classic and experimental styles.

• Syrah: This is the flagship variety of the estate vineyard. Avani's Syrah is a cool-climate expression, resulting in a medium-bodied, spicy, and peppery wine with crunchy red fruit, distinct minerality, and elegant tannins.

• Pinot Noir: Sourced from quality Mornington Peninsula vineyards, Avani's Pinot Noir is made in a refined, elegant style, with notes of dark cherry, rose, and spice, and a savory undertone.

• Chardonnay: Another key variety from the Mornington Peninsula and sometimes Gippsland, the Chardonnay is known for its texture and complexity, with a focus on capturing the character of the vineyard site.

• Pinot Gris: Avani is known for its skin-contact Pinot Gris, which creates a textured, "orange" wine with savory notes, delicate tannins, and a unique aromatic profile. They also produce a more classic style of Pinot Gris.

• Other varieties: Avani also experiments with other varieties in its limited release vintages, including Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc, often made in unique and textural ways, such as with extended skin contact.