Elegant Grenache, expressive of place.
McLaren Vale Grenache is celebrated for its perfumed, red-fruited complexity and its ability to reflect the unique terroir of our region.
Grenache (Noir) has deep roots in McLaren Vale, tracing back to the early days of viticulture. Originally brought to Australia by European settlers in the 19th century, the grape thrived in the diverse soils and Mediterranean-like climate of McLaren Vale, where it was initially planted primarily for fortified wines.
As the wine industry evolved, Grenache began to be recognised for its potential to produce high-quality table wines. In the latter half of the 20th century, winemakers started focusing on crafting more refined styles of Grenache, moving away from the bulk production of fortified wines. Today, McLaren Vale is regarded as one of the premier regions worldwide for Grenache, producing wines that are celebrated for their vibrant fruit flavours, complexity, and ability to reflect the terroir of the region.
Our old, low-yielding Grenache vines, some of which are over a century old, contribute to the depth and character of McLaren Vale Grenache wines, making them a significant part of the region's winemaking heritage and identity.
McLaren Vale winemakers often employ minimal intervention winemaking techniques for Grenache to allow the grape’s natural characteristics and the unique terroir of the region to shine through in the wine.
While the black-skinned Grenache Noir, widely used for both red and rosé wines, is the most well-known and forms a cornerstone of McLaren Vale’s wine culture, two lighter-skinned relatives are now capturing the interest of the region’s vignerons. Grenache Gris, a rare pink-skinned mutation, is gaining recognition for its ability to produce distinctive white wines with notable depth and complexity. Similarly, Grenache Blanc, the white-skinned version of the grape, is also making a name for itself, adding to the diversity and innovation of McLaren Vale's winemaking scene.
Primary Flavours
McLaren Vale Grenache is celebrated for its vibrant red fruit flavours. These wines often exhibit a vibrant fruit character, thanks to a Mediterranean-like climate, which allows the grapes to reach full ripeness while retaining their natural acidity.
Common primary flavours include: raspberry, strawberry, and cherry
Secondary Flavours
Beyond fruit, McLaren Vale Grenache frequently showcases complex layers of spice, such as white pepper, clove, and cinnamon. There’s also an earthy undertone, often with hints of dried herbs, tobacco, or leather, which adds depth and complexity to the wine.
Texture and Structure
McLaren Vale Grenache is typically exhibits a well-balanced, harmonious blend of fruit, acidity, and tannins. The structure of these wines are generally light to medium-bodied styles and elegant depending on the winemaking approach and vineyard site.
Expression of Terroir
The diverse soils of McLaren Vale, ranging from sandy loams to ancient clay and limestone, impart subtle mineral nuances and a sense of place in the wines. Each vineyard can produce a different expression of Grenache, depending on its soil composition and microclimate. Some of our region’s vineyards that are located at higher elevations and are on sandy soils are known to produce ultra-premium Grenache.
Primary Flavours
McLaren Vale Grenache is celebrated for its vibrant red fruit flavours. These wines often exhibit a vibrant fruit character, thanks to a Mediterranean-like climate, which allows the grapes to reach full ripeness while retaining their natural acidity.
Common primary flavours include: raspberry, strawberry, and cherry
Secondary Flavours
Beyond fruit, McLaren Vale Grenache frequently showcases complex layers of spice, such as white pepper, clove, and cinnamon. There’s also an earthy undertone, often with hints of dried herbs, tobacco, or leather, which adds depth and complexity to the wine.
Texture and Structure
McLaren Vale Grenache is typically exhibits a well-balanced, harmonious blend of fruit, acidity, and tannins. The structure of these wines are generally light to medium-bodied styles and elegant depending on the winemaking approach and vineyard site.
Expression of Terroir
The diverse soils of McLaren Vale, ranging from sandy loams to ancient clay and limestone, impart subtle mineral nuances and a sense of place in the wines. Each vineyard can produce a different expression of Grenache, depending on its soil composition and microclimate. Some of our region’s vineyards that are located at higher elevations and are on sandy soils are known to produce ultra-premium Grenache.
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