Bethany Estate Old Vine Grenache 2017/18

Tasting Notes

Championed as one of the best vintages in the past decade, the 2012 Bethany Grenache is a wine of great richness, texture and complexity. Handpicked from old bush vines grown along the foothills of the Barossa Ranges.

The nose displays aromas of fresh plums, blueberry and cherry notes. The palate is medium weight tasting of ripe cherries and raspberries balanced with hints of spice and a smooth tannin finish.

It goes well with lamb roast and it is a perfect partner for a tapas platter or antipasto.

Vintage Comments

Near perfect growing conditions saw many wine critics and producers tout the 2012 Barossa vintage as one of the best in decades. A wet winter and a cool spring allowed for ample soil moisture and left good reserves of groundwater for the dry summer months

The mild temperature through spring and early summer allowed vines to flourish, giving healthy balanced canopies and good fruit set. Even and mild conditions from January through to March allowed the fruit to ripen in ideal conditions producing fruit with an outstanding depth of flavour. An excellent vintage for all reds in the Barossa.

Winemaker’s Report

Grapes were crushed and destemmed immediately after the morning harvest. Fermentation on skins using a selected yeast type occurred for 8-9 days at 20-25 degrees to maximise colour and flavour extraction.

The Grenache was matured in French oak for two years to balance tannin structure with red fruit flavour.

Vineyard Notes

The Grenache fruit is sourced from very low yielding old bush vines which are hand pruned to 50-60 buds per vine. These old vines are grown on their own roots rather than grafted rootstock, naturally limiting the canopy growth and allowing for better fruit exposure to sunlight.

This exposure ensures even ripening of the grapes with enhanced fruit flavour esters and colour ripeness. The fruit is hand picked very late in the season at optimal ripeness.