Ministry of Clouds Onkaparinga Rocks Shiraz 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Chase Vineyard is perched on a steep, south-facing slope in the Onkaparinga Gorge in McLaren Vale. This site is defined by an ancient bedrock of sandstone, slaty siltstone, and rock formations dating back 650 million years, making it one of the oldest vineyard geologies worldwide. This rocky soil profile limits vine yield, concentrating flavors and lending a distinctive minerality to the wine. The region’s warm days and cooling breezes from the Onkaparinga Gorge provide an ideal microclimate for Shiraz, producing wines of intensity and depth.

The vineyard’s low-yielding vines benefit from meticulous management, and the grapes are harvested at night to retain their natural freshness and aromatic delicacy. This unique terroir, combined with careful viticulture, results in a Shiraz with a profound sense of place and a structure built for aging.

Winemaking

The Onkaparinga Rocks Shiraz is crafted with 100% Shiraz. After the night harvest, the grapes are gently destemmed, retaining 80% whole berries and a small portion as whole bunches. Fermentation occurs in traditional open vats, with daily hand plunging to control color and tannin extraction. Following fermentation, the wine is basket-pressed into a combination of old and new French oak puncheons for 12 months of maturation.

This approach preserves the integrity of the fruit while adding subtle oak complexity. The wine’s final profile is a balance of vibrant, crunchy fruit and a mineral-rich tannic structure, showcasing the unique character of the Onkaparinga Rocks vineyard.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, dark ruby with purple hues.
• Aroma: Lifted aromas of blue and black fruits, with hints of garrigue herbs, plums, and a shy presence of French oak.
• Palate: Bold and structured, with layers of juicy plum, blackberry, and herbal notes. The texture is firm and mineral-laden, supported by a fine tannic backbone and a lingering finish.

Did You Know?

The Onkaparinga Gorge, where The Chase Vineyard is located, has soils that date back 650 million years, making them some of the oldest soils used for grape growing. This ancient geology provides a distinct mineral character and limits yields, creating a wine with great concentration and aging potential.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Slow-cooked Middle Eastern lamb shoulder on couscous: The wine’s structure and depth complement the richness of the lamb.
• Herb-crusted roast beef with root vegetables: Enhances the earthy and herbal undertones in the wine.
• Braised short ribs with red wine sauce: The bold fruit and tannins balance well with the hearty flavors of the ribs.
• Aged hard cheeses, like Manchego or Pecorino Romano: Complements the wine’s mineral structure and enhances its complexity.

History of Ministry of Clouds

Ministry of Clouds was founded in 2012 by Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood with a singular purpose: to create wines designed with gastronomy in mind. This venture was born from their shared desire to live a life immersed in wine—to be their own distinct voice in a bustling industry. After years spent working for others, they sought the freedom to focus on varieties and vineyards they truly loved, savoring the independence to experiment, take risks, and fuel the passion that drives them.

Their love for wine began long before their journey into viticulture and winemaking. Both began their careers with Australia’s finest importers of rare and fine old-world wines, gaining profound exposure to the best of Burgundy, Piedmont, the Rhône, and beyond. Building on this foundation, they transitioned to working for renowned family-owned wineries in McLaren Vale, amassing a combined 16 years of experience. This period allowed them to connect with growers, explore vineyards, observe the seasons’ nuances, and, most importantly, taste extensively across McLaren Vale.

These years taught them the dedication and sheer resolve needed to identify and cultivate exceptional vineyards, to shepherd the resulting fruit through fermentation and aging, and to find partners worldwide willing to share these stories. It was during this journey that they realized that if they wanted to continue in the world of wine, they needed to work for themselves and create their own wines.

Thus, Ministry of Clouds was born. The name symbolizes the illusion of control in winemaking. For these two perfectionists working with nature, it serves as a comforting reminder that the magic of winemaking relies as much on the arbitrary and unpredictable as it does on their intent and precision. They govern what they can; the rest is left to chance. Perhaps that’s simply life itself…

Region and Vineyards

Based in McLaren Vale, Ministry of Clouds has access to some of Australia’s most diverse and ancient terroirs. McLaren Vale itself, with its warm, Mediterranean climate and complex geological composition, provides ideal conditions for growing Shiraz and Grenache. The Ministry of Clouds team prioritizes sustainable vineyard practices across its sites, combining traditional knowledge with modern techniques to enhance soil health and vine resilience.

Ministry of Clouds owns the Chase Vineyard, an 11-hectare plot situated on the dramatic slopes of the Onkaparinga Gorge. This vineyard, established on rock formations dating back over 650 million years, is planted on Maslin Sand and Ironstone soils that create a low-yield environment, concentrating flavors in the fruit. Perched at around 200 meters in elevation, the vineyard’s location exposes it to cooling breezes, which helps maintain acidity and adds to the aromatic intensity of the wines. This unique combination of soil, altitude, and climate results in wines with structure, freshness, and a deep sense of place.

In addition to McLaren Vale, Ministry of Clouds sources fruit from carefully selected, sustainably managed sites in the Clare Valley and Tasmania. The Clare Valley vineyards, known for their limestone-rich soils, produce vibrant Riesling with high acidity and minerality. Tasmania’s cool-climate vineyards offer a distinctive style of Chardonnay, with brightness and precision that contrast with McLaren Vale’s fuller-bodied reds. This commitment to sourcing from diverse regions across Australia enables Ministry of Clouds to create a nuanced portfolio, each wine reflecting the character of its origin.

Wine Range of Ministry of Clouds

The Ministry of Clouds portfolio showcases key varietals that highlight Australia’s regional diversity, including:

• Ministry of Clouds Blewitt Springs Single Vineyard Shiraz: Showcased in both single-vineyard expressions from Blewitt Springs and Onkaparinga Rocks, with each bottling representing the terroir of McLaren Vale.
• Ministry of Clouds Grenache: Known for its delicate red fruit, fine tannins, and aromatic layers, sourced from old vines in McLaren Vale.
• Ministry of Clouds Tasmania Chardonnay: Sourced primarily from Tasmania, bringing a fresh, cool-climate elegance and minerality to the portfolio.
• Ministry of Clouds Clare Valley Riesling: From Clare Valley, characterized by vibrant acidity, purity, and intense mineral notes.
• Ministry of Clouds Kintsugi: A unique blend inspired by the Japanese art of “golden joinery,” where each varietal component is thoughtfully integrated to create harmony and complexity.

Did You Know?

The name "Ministry of Clouds" symbolizes the founders’ philosophy of embracing both old and new winemaking approaches, grounded in tradition yet open to innovation. The winery is committed to Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification for all its vineyards, underscoring their dedication to environmental responsibility and the long-term health of the land.

History of Ministry of Clouds

Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood founded Ministry of Clouds after years of working in Australia’s wine industry, where they developed a shared passion for crafting wines that honor the land and the nuances of each site. Their journey was fueled by a desire for independence and creativity, culminating in the establishment of Ministry of Clouds, a winery devoted to small-batch production and sustainable practices. Their aim has been to blend traditional winemaking with a forward-thinking philosophy, emphasizing transparency, integrity, and respect for nature.

Bernice and Julian left established careers at iconic wine estates to follow this vision, adopting an approach that balances precision with restraint. Their work is rooted in sustainable viticulture and low-intervention winemaking, inspired by their belief that great wines require minimal influence in the cellar. Ministry of Clouds has rapidly gained a reputation for the clarity and expressiveness of its wines, capturing the essence of each vineyard. They are committed to creating wines that resonate both with wine enthusiasts and with the land itself, respecting the unique stories and histories that each vintage brings.

Region and Vineyards

Based in McLaren Vale, Ministry of Clouds has access to some of Australia’s most diverse and ancient terroirs. McLaren Vale itself, with its warm, Mediterranean climate and complex geological composition, provides ideal conditions for growing Shiraz and Grenache. The Ministry of Clouds team prioritizes sustainable vineyard practices across its sites, combining traditional knowledge with modern techniques to enhance soil health and vine resilience.

Ministry of Clouds owns the Chase Vineyard, an 11-hectare plot situated on the dramatic slopes of the Onkaparinga Gorge. This vineyard, established on rock formations dating back over 650 million years, is planted on Maslin Sand and Ironstone soils that create a low-yield environment, concentrating flavors in the fruit. Perched at around 200 meters in elevation, the vineyard’s location exposes it to cooling breezes, which helps maintain acidity and adds to the aromatic intensity of the wines. This unique combination of soil, altitude, and climate results in wines with structure, freshness, and a deep sense of place.

In addition to McLaren Vale, Ministry of Clouds sources fruit from carefully selected, sustainably managed sites in the Clare Valley and Tasmania. The Clare Valley vineyards, known for their limestone-rich soils, produce vibrant Riesling with high acidity and minerality. Tasmania’s cool-climate vineyards offer a distinctive style of Chardonnay, with brightness and precision that contrast with McLaren Vale’s fuller-bodied reds. This commitment to sourcing from diverse regions across Australia enables Ministry of Clouds to create a nuanced portfolio, each wine reflecting the character of its origin.

Wine Range of Ministry of Clouds

The Ministry of Clouds portfolio showcases key varietals that highlight Australia’s regional diversity, including:

• Shiraz: Showcased in both single-vineyard expressions from Blewitt Springs and Onkaparinga Rocks, with each bottling representing the terroir of McLaren Vale.
• Grenache: Known for its delicate red fruit, fine tannins, and aromatic layers, sourced from old vines in McLaren Vale.
• Chardonnay: Sourced primarily from Tasmania, bringing a fresh, cool-climate elegance and minerality to the portfolio.
• Riesling: From Clare Valley, characterized by vibrant acidity, purity, and intense mineral notes.
• Kintsugi: A unique blend inspired by the Japanese art of “golden joinery,” where each varietal component is thoughtfully integrated to create harmony and complexity.

Did You Know?

The name "Ministry of Clouds" symbolizes the founders’ philosophy of embracing both old and new winemaking approaches, grounded in tradition yet open to innovation. The winery is committed to Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification for all its vineyards, underscoring their dedication to environmental responsibility and the long-term health of the land.