My Story. My Journey. My Wine.
Why XI.XI (Eleven Eleven)
Like ‘serendipity’- the art of making happy and unexpected discoveries - my wine XI.XI has evolved from passion and a desire to create something special. The recurrence of the numbers Eleven Eleven throughout my winemaking experiences has been remarkable. Wherever I turned, whether it was time, date, batch number, barrel number or bottling date - the number Eleven, Eleven continued to resurface. And so, the name was born.
My Winemaking Journey
I began my journey in the world of winemaking at Domaine Chandon in the picturesque Yarra Valley, where I first fell in love with the art of crafting sparkling wines. This initial experience set the stage for my career, but it was my opportunity to work at Schramsberg in Calistoga, California, that truly deepened my passion. At Schramsberg, I was privileged to create some of the finest sparkling wines, even for the President of the United States, an experience that highlighted the prestigious allure of high-quality Blanc de Blancs. My time there not only solidified my affinity for this elegant style of wine but also honed my skills in Methode Traditionnelle, immersing me in a world of tradition and precision.
Upon my return to Australia, I had the honor of collaborating with the remarkable Kate Laurie at Deviation Road in the Adelaide Hills, renowned as one of Australia’s premier sparkling wine producers. Kate’s guidance was invaluable, and working alongside her in every aspect of wine production significantly advanced my understanding and capabilities. Her mentorship and expertise transformed my approach to winemaking, and I will always cherish the lessons I learned during that time.
Most recently, I'm excited to share that I have released my 2021 Blanc de Blancs, which has spent three years aging in the bottle on yeast lees. This wine is a true labour of love, reflecting my dedication to the craft. Currently, I manage two vineyards in the Yarra Valley with my husband, Scott, while also focusing on premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at Hoddles Creek Estate. My journey in the world of wine has been a blend of passion and hard work, and I couldn't be more grateful for the experiences and knowledge I continue to gain along the way.
My Label
A striking gold metallic foil raises the XIXI to centre stage. It will be an embossed layer. The idea is that you can feel Eleven Eleven and get a sense of what this period of time means to me.
The background is a dark navy blue, one of my favourite colours. This portrays elegance, luxury and that classic colour of sophistication. My wine in a colour.I love the combination of gold and blue.
Importantly is my name, a signature style of Georgia Dale. The font represents the handmade approach to my wine. I want to let you know each wine has been given my signature, my approval. It means so much to me.
