Bethany Wines - Old Vine Grenache 2009

Producenten udtaler:

Tasting Notes:
Made from 100% Grenache grapes grown on some of the Barossa's oldest bush vines, hand-pruned and hand-picked. It has a delightful, vibrant red colour and a restrained bouquet with a touch of spice. The harmonious mid-weight palate displays excellent varietal and fresh raspberry flavours, balanced with light, soft tannins. It goes well with Mediterranean dishes such as tapas and pizza and is the perfect partner for barbequed or oven baked rack of lamb.

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.

Vintage report:
Good winter rainfall and mild spring weather provided a promising start to the 2009 vintage. Record-breaking temperatures in late January/early February accelerated ripening however the well managed vineyards on good soils survived the heat well. The mild and dry conditions that followed allowed the vines to re-adjust after the heat wave and slowed the pace of ripening, which kept flavours and natural acidity in balance.

Winemaking Report:
Fermentation on skins occurred over 6 to 8 days to maximise colour and flavour extraction. The pressings were added back into the wine after fermentation to balance the tannins. Matured in older oak for several months to balance tannin structure, allowing the ripe berry fruit characters to dominate the wine.