At a glance

Producer

Caelum Wines

Region

McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia

Grape variety

Assyrtiko

Wine type

White

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$35-$50

Tasting profile

Crisp citrus, wet stone minerality, light herbal notes, balanced with medium body and clean finish.

Evolution: With age, tertiary notes like honeyed accents and subtle nuttiness may develop, while acidity remains vibrant.

At peak: Integrated minerality with layered complexity, mellow texture and lingering citrus-peel finish.

Structure

Acidity

High acidity characteristic of Assyrtiko, lending freshness and aging ability

Tannins

None (white wine)

Alcohol

13.5%

Aging potential

8-12 years given grape variety, producer style, and vintage quality

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2023 to 2027

Optimal window

2022 to 2028

Current status

Drinking well with some potential for further development

Current condition

Fresh, showing crisp acidity and mineral notes with evolving complexity

Assyrtiko from McLaren Vale in top vintages like 2018 offers robust acidity and mineral structure that support medium-term aging. The wine’s freshness balances well with gradual development of complexity, reaching optimal drinking window in about 4-7 years after vintage.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with grilled seafood, light poultry dishes, Mediterranean salads, and dishes with citrus or herbal sauces.

Serving

Serving temperature

10-12°C / 50-54°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Caelum employs dry farming, minimal intervention winemaking, solar energy on-site, and water conservation techniques.

Caelum Wines adopts multiple sustainability measures including certified sustainable farming practices, renewable energy use, and efficient water management. Their focus on dry-farming reduces water usage significantly, typical for McLaren Vale producers. Local distribution channels minimize carbon footprint from transportation.