D'arenberg Grenache The Derelict Vineyard 2009 750ml

Winery: D'arenberg

Varietal: Grenache

The Grenache grape varietal has its origins in the dry and arid regions of central Spain, where it continues to thrive to this day under the blazing sun of this region. However, its popularity and versatility has meant that these purple skinned grapes have spread all over the Old and New World and have become of the most widely planted grape varietals on earth. The tightly bunched, round fruit of the Grenache vine can be rigorous and prodigious in the correct conditions, but is often struggling against various types of rot and mildew. Thanks to modern techniques for avoiding such problems, Grenache grape farmers now enjoy strong and high quality yields which they can use to produce the distinctive light bodied and spicy wines associated with this grape.

Region: Fleurieu

Made up of five distinct provinces, thanks to the range of micro-climates the region offers, the Fleurieu Peninsula has proven to be one of the most exciting and unique of all Australia's wine regions. Displaying excellent Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon vines, amongst many others, Fleurieu's superb Mediterranean style climate allows grapes to grow and ripen to their fullest. Typically, Fleurieu wines express plenty of fascinating features and delicious, fruit-forward flavors that come about from the brilliant sunshine, tempered by cooling oceanic breezes. Vintners in Fleurieu are renowned for their innovation, and for taking advantage of the range of topographical and geological features in the region, and as such, wines from Fleurieu have gained much attention over the past few decades for their excellence, and their fascinating characteristics.

Country: Australia

Despite much of Australia being covered by dry, arid deserts and bushland, the southern regions of the country and islands such as Tasmania have proved to be ideal for vineyard cultivation and wine production. The fertile soils and brisk oceanic breezes, coupled with the blazing Australian sunshine allow the grapes to grow to full ripeness before a late harvest, resulting in hugely flavorful wines which appeal to a wide international audience. Combine this with the experimental and daring approach Australian wineries have in regards to wine production, and it becomes clear why Australia has relatively quickly become something of a world leader when it come to exporting their produce to Europe and America. The Shiraz and Chardonnay grape varietals have produced the most successful and broadly appreciated results over the decades, however, in more recent years wineries have begun experimenting with a much wider range of grape varietals, demonstrating how Australian wineries are continuing to adapt and develop alongside international palates.