Hallidays’ Wine Companion Grenache focus article
It’s been yet another big week for Clarendon Hills in the media. Last week was an exclusive report on Clarendon Hills in the Wine Companion. Over last weekend that report was accompanied by yet another article from the Wine Companion, this time relating to 3 leading Grenache producers. You can read it all here:
Grenache (or garnacha as it’s known in Spain) was one of the original varieties planted in Australia. Some of the oldest grenache vines in Australia date all the way back to the 1800s. After initially being used for the production of fortified wines, grenache experienced a renaissance and became the perfect blending partner for GSMs and rosé wines, and of course, found its way as a straight varietal.
Below are three grenache wines to try. Each come from South Australian regions that are famed for grenache – Clarendon Hills and Serafino Wines in McLaren Vale, and Turkey Flat in the Barossa Valley.
We spoke to each producer about what makes their grenache unique, along with why they think Australia is so passionate about grenache. And, of course, we asked them how to best enjoy their standout grenache – think tea-smoked duck, pork belly and spicy Asian dishes.
Clarendon Hills
Co-owner and sales and marketing director Alex Bratasiuk says: I love grenache from Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale. The terroir is so specially suited to the varietal, that the resulting wine is beyond the textbook definition; it ventures into the realm of exotic and exception. It has kaleidoscopic forest berries, highly fragrant florals and bright natural acid across a seamless, pinot-noir like frame. When the wine is youthful it is electric with expression and it’s always absolutely captivating to see the new vintage perfume in barrel.
H. What makes your grenache unique?
AB. Our flagship grenache is the Romas patch within our Blewitt Springs grenache single vineyard. It’s the steepest and stoniest section of the vineyard and produces a highly mineral driven cuvée. The vine age here is actually unknown as the vines were on the property when the current owner purchased it in 1930. The vines are estimated to be around 100 years old and likely the oldest in all of Blewitt Springs and McLaren Vale. The winemaking process is entirely minimalistic and deliberately so, this is to highlight the terroir and not the winemaking hand.
H. Why do you think grenache is so popular in Australia?
AB. Australian grenache is becoming the next superpower in the wine world. We have some of the oldest vines and oldest soils on earth. Couple that with visionary winemaking and a few kind vintages from Mother Nature and the result is truly world-class. Australia took note of this rising star first, and now the world is just waking up to its prowess. Watch this space, currently, there are eight per cent of all McLaren Vale vineyards planted to grenache, this will grow to a much larger percentage, 30–40 per cent over the next 10 years.
Wine to try
2022 Clarendon Hills Romas Grenache
While deeply layered and exhibiting a youthful recession of character, as it unfurls the latent and seamless power becomes apparent. Offering a collection of musk, forest berries, wild strawberry, savoury cherry skin characters on arrival. With aeration, further floral violet and lavender notes and mineral elements emerge and highlight the abundant future extension possible with this cuvée. Notes of lipstick and musk take this to another level. On the palate, fleshy blue and red fruits within a fine talcum like extract where a seamless intensity resides. The structure is extremely fine boned and long in the mouth. Effortless power of resonating blue and red fruits pervading the lengthy finish where a violet and lavender floral character is highlighted.
Best enjoyed: Pair the 2022 Romas with tea-smoked duck. This medium-bodied grenache is able to be enjoyed year-round, however I mostly enjoy my grenache when it is absolutely bucketing down and I’m inside, near the fireplace, with a charcuterie board and a good book.
RRP $150 | Drink to 2044 | Shop this wine | clarendonhills.com.au
