Although Grenache is one of Australia’s ‘foundation’ grape varieties, it has only been in the past couple of decades that we have come to terms with how to best vinify it. McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley boast some of the oldest stocks of bush vine Grenache. Until the 1980’s much of it was used as a component part in fortified Port styles.
Too many early examples of Grenache as a table wine were sweet and confected and lacking in structure. Some producers made the mistake of swamping the wine with new oak, obliterating the grape’s alluring aromatics.
In more recent times, we have seen a more sophisticated approach to Grenache, both as a blend and a single varietal. New oak has been downplayed, allowing the variety to express itself. The best examples of the variety, from the likes of Head and Spinifex, showcases the its natural fruit sweetness and spice, but are savoury at the core.
The use of whole bunch fermentation, hyper trendy with Pinot Noir and Shiraz, has been employed to some success with Grenache. In the case of Ochota Barrels ‘Fugazi Vineyard’ Grenache, judicious use of whole bunches has lightened the wine up and lent it aromatic lift. This is a pretty and gentle example of Grenache, and a successful one at that.
2014 OCHOTA BARRELS ‘FUGAZI VINEYARD’ GRENACHE
Producer: Ochota Barrels
Variety: Grenache
Vintage: 2014
Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $40.00
Date tasted: 20 June 2015
Tasting Note:
Transparent cherry red. Pretty nose of strawberry/raspberry compote, floral notes, twist of white pepper. Medium bodied, sappy, very bright, fresh and elegant. The savoury, Pinot-like face of Grenache. Plenty to enjoy here and now.
16.5/20
Too many early examples of Grenache as a table wine were sweet and confected and lacking in structure. Some producers made the mistake of swamping the wine with new oak, obliterating the grape’s alluring aromatics.
In more recent times, we have seen a more sophisticated approach to Grenache, both as a blend and a single varietal. New oak has been downplayed, allowing the variety to express itself. The best examples of the variety, from the likes of Head and Spinifex, showcases the its natural fruit sweetness and spice, but are savoury at the core.
The use of whole bunch fermentation, hyper trendy with Pinot Noir and Shiraz, has been employed to some success with Grenache. In the case of Ochota Barrels ‘Fugazi Vineyard’ Grenache, judicious use of whole bunches has lightened the wine up and lent it aromatic lift. This is a pretty and gentle example of Grenache, and a successful one at that.
2014 OCHOTA BARRELS ‘FUGAZI VINEYARD’ GRENACHEProducer: Ochota Barrels
Variety: Grenache
Vintage: 2014
Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $40.00
Date tasted: 20 June 2015
Tasting Note:
Transparent cherry red. Pretty nose of strawberry/raspberry compote, floral notes, twist of white pepper. Medium bodied, sappy, very bright, fresh and elegant. The savoury, Pinot-like face of Grenache. Plenty to enjoy here and now.
16.5/20
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