Claymore Wines to host a mad scientist blending session as part of Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend

You don’t have to be a scientist to blend wine. This weekend at Clare anyone can try it – go mad, even.

Nathan Norman, winemaker and mad scientist at Claymore Wines, preparing for the Clare Gourmet Weekend at their Leasingham Barrel Shed. Picture: Matt Turner

Making wine is part science, part creativity – but also should be just a little mad.

That’s the message from Nathan Norman of Claymore Wines, who will be encouraging participants to go crazy during a “Mad Scientist” blending session at the Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend.

“You have to get all the fundamentals right in the first place,” Nathan says.

“But beyond that it gets more fun and artistic, using different fruit and different oak.

“That is where it gets less analytical and you can play around a bit more with the artistic side. But unless you get the fundamentals right nothing else is possible.”

Nathan Norman, winemaker and mad scientist at Claymore Wines, preparing for the Clare Gourmet Weekend at their Leasingham Barrel Shed. Picture: Matt Turner

During the session on Sunday, Nathan will introduce people to examples of top-end cabernet sauvignon and shiraz, from different locations and different barrels.

“The cooler vineyard will produce wine that is more aromatic and elegant, warmer block more robust and rich,” he explains. “Like anything, it is getting a balance between those two styles.

“We’ve done a few of these blending sessions. It is really casual. The cool part about winemaking is that everyone has their own tastes. It is really good as a winemaker to get that sort of feedback on the wines they like.”

The Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend starts on Friday, with events at more than 30 venues.

For more details go to clarevalley.com.au