Ernst Sigel, Sellicks Hill, Mclaren Vale

Overview

Ernst Sigel manages a certified organic vineyard in Sellicks Hill, located in the southern part of the McLaren Vale wine region, South Australia. The vineyard is known for producing small-batch, low-intervention wines, primarily supplied to The Other Right, a boutique winery operated by Alex Schulkin and Galit Shachaf. The collaboration has resulted in several limited-release wines, showcasing the unique terroir of the site.

• Region: Sellicks Hill, McLaren Vale, South Australia

• Certification: NASAA Certified Organic

• Primary Grape Variety: Shiraz

• Typical Output: 60–80 dozen bottles per wine style annually

• Ownership: Privately owned; no public details on founding date or ownership history

Vineyard Characteristics

• Location: Sellicks Hill, McLaren Vale

• Climate: Warm Mediterranean climate with maritime influences from the nearby Gulf St Vincent

• Soil: Not specified in available sources

• Topography: Not specified in available sources

• Size: Not publicly disclosed; likely small-scale based on production volumes

Viticultural Practices

• Farming: Certified organic practices under NASAA

• Sustainability: Emphasis on soil health and biodiversity; avoidance of synthetic chemicals, herbicides, and pesticides

• Harvesting: Hand-picked to ensure fruit integrity

• Intervention: Low-intervention approach to align with natural wine production philosophies

• Irrigation: Dry-grown vineyard; no irrigation details available

• Mechanization: No mechanization details available

Grape Varieties & Production

• Shiraz: Primary variety; known for producing wines with dark fruit flavors and structured tannins

Annual Production:

• Approximately 60–80 dozen bottles per wine style

• Grapes are hand-harvested and supplied exclusively to select winemakers

• Cooler vintages may extend hang time, enhancing flavor concentration

Associated Wines (by The Other Right)

The grapes from Ernst Sigel’s vineyard are vinified by The Other Right using minimal-intervention techniques:

• UNFURL Series (2023–2024): A range of Shiraz wines showcasing the vineyard's unique expression.

  • UNFURL 2023: Notes of blueberries, dark plums, cherry ripe, toffee, and cinnamon; mouthfilling with balanced acidity and tannins.

  • UNFURL 2024: Described as fresh with crunchy red fruit; reminiscent of a bright Sangiovese.

• Love Potion (2024): A Shiraz with a touch of Grenache, undergoing carbonic maceration. Flavors include dark berries, chocolate, cedar, and black pepper.

• NUANCE 2024: A Cabernet Sauvignon from Greenock, Barossa Valley, produced in collaboration with The Other Right.