Yalumba The Tri-Centenary Grenache

Yalumba The Tri-Centenary Grenache

Yalumba The Tri-Centenary Grenache is a true individual wine showcasing the essence of Grenache, sourced from vines that have been in the ground for more than 125 years. Year after year these veteran vines give up small quantities of exceptional grape

This single vineyard Grenache has been crafted from grapes sourced from the block we call VG05. This block comprises of 820 gnarly old bush vines that were planted in 1889. The Nursery vineyard features deep sandy loam layers underlain with red-brown clay layers. These soils are generally very deep and hold large volumes of water within their pore spaces, essential for good growth. As temperatures increase and evaporation levels rise, moisture levels in the sand decrease rapidly, but the vine is able to then draw moisture from the underlying clay. With careful management, dry grown vines on these soils can consistently produce outstanding quality fruit.

The grapes were handpicked and crushed to our 8 tonne open top stainless steel fermenters. The wild yeasts present on the grape skins initiated fermentation; cultured winery yeasts were then added to complete fermentation. Remaining ‘on skins’ post-fermentation for 35 days, this extended maturation helps to contribute an even greater complexity and individuality to the wine. The resulting wine is one of individuality, richness, texture and complexity.

A complex nose with lovely aromatics. Cedar scents meld with tones of pomegranate, wild strawberries, violets and red petals. Restrained in its flavour but fine in texture with great concentration. Give it a year or two before splashing in the decanter to reveal its beauty, but if you’re patient over the medium term its full potential will be realised. Double decant and enjoy alongside Peking duck or roasted cauliflower with sesame, soy, ginger sauce.

In 1847 a 37-year-old brewer called Samuel Smith left his home in Wareham, Dorset with his wife Mary and their four children. Boarding a simple three-masted barque they left Plymouth and began the long and arduous journey to Australia, arriving in Port Adelaide. From there they trecked north to Angaston where Samuel took a job as a gardener. It was arguably this brave decision to start a new life in a remote and distant land, together with the hardship that they endured, that formed the strong sense of family unity that has been the bedrock of the family business ever since. In 1849 he started the wine farm that would grow over the next 5 generations to become one of Australia’s leading wineries, with a winemaking culture that is internationally recognised and respected. To embrace the native culture, Samuel decided to adopt a local name for his farm, calling it “Yalumba” meaning “all the country around’’ in the indigenous Peramangk language.

To view our full selection of Yalumba wines please click here

For more information on the Yalumba winery click here

Yalumba The Tri-Centenary Grenache