Sorrenberg is a 2.5 hectare vineyard which is owned by Barry and Jan Morey and situated on the outskirts of Beechworth. It is surrounded by forest on two sides and Stony Creek runs across the back boundary. The family has a tradition of winemaking that goes back over 500 years to the Mosel River in Germany. Barry’s grandfather, Jacob Barzen, emigrated to Australia to work on a family vineyard and winery at Dookie. This vineyard has since been sold and converted back to grazing land. The name Sorrenberg comes from a small vineyard owned by the Barzen family near a town called Reil on the Mosel.

The style of Gamay Sorrenberg produce is a combination of Burgundian and Beaujolais techniques. There is 10% Pinot Noir used in the blend. Half of the Gamay was cold macerated where the fruit is picked, cold crushed and left to soak for 4 days before fermentation started. Of the rest, 20% of the fruit is left whole in the ferment. Fermentation with natural yeast is for 2 weeks on skins, after which the wine is pressed and matured in old oak barriques for eleven months.

The 2022 Gamay is showing traits of a cooler year with pronounced fruit and vibrant acid. The dark cherry, plum and raspberry follow through to the palate, combining all with the subtle tannins creating a tight, yet moreish finish. It The cooler, vintage conditions means although it is pleasant to drink at the moment, it will also benefit from some cellar time.