Tscharke Garnacha The Potter 2011

Winery: Tscharke

Varietal: Grenache

Grenache grapes have long been cultivated in various parts of Europe, and are noted for being particularly successful in arid regions which are both hot and very dry. As such, they are ideal for many New World countries, and have quickly established themselves as one of the most widely grown red wine grape varietals in the world. The Grenache grape is easily identifiable by its purple skin, and tightly hanging bunches which grow quite rigorously in the correct conditions. They are most commonly associated with light bodied wines, with little tannins or acidity, yet quite a high alcohol content. As such, they are very versatile, and are regularly used for both single variety and blended wines, in which their strong and unique features can shine through.

Region: Barossa

Australia is known around the world for the high quality of its flavorful Shiraz wines, and Barossa Valley, near the city of Adelaide is surely the home of the finest Shiraz grapevines in the country. The first vineyards in the Barossa Valley were established in the late 19th century by German settlers, however today there are dozens of high quality and unique businesses operating in the region, making the most of the temperate continental climate the valley enjoys, and producing a wide range of wines made from various grape varietals. Whilst Shiraz grapes thrive particularly well in this part of Australia, there are now vineyards in Barossa Valley growing all kinds of red and white grape varietals, and showing a real flair for flavor, aroma and complexity brought about by a strong mix of traditional and modern techniques.

Country: Australia

With over sixteen thousand hectares of Australian land now under vine, Australia has become something of a world leader in regards to wine production. One of Australia's key attributes to their success has been their willingness to leave traditional vineyard practices to one side, and develop techniques which are perfectly suited to a New World country. Modern Australian wineries take into consideration the climate and the unique soil types which cover much of their country, and have had fantastic results from cross-breeding programs and blending practices which make the most of the grape varietals which thrive most successfully there, notably the Shiraz and Chardonnay grapes. In recent years, Australia has been lauded as the 'most influential' wine producing country in the world, and the rest of the New World is looking down under for inspiration, and the ability to produce comparable fine wines on their own terrain.