Yangarra Park Grenache Old Vine 2011 750ml

Winery: Yangarra Park

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: Fleurieu

Of all the wine regions in Australia, the one which has been attracting the most attention and excitement in recent years is undoubtedly that of the Fleurieu peninsula, located close to Adelaide in the southern part of the country. The reason for all of the excitement surrounding this area is due to the fact that Fleurieu, being a peninsula, has plenty of interesting and unique micro-climates, resulting in a fascinating range of range. Indeed, the region has become known as one in which winemakers can practice a wide range of techniques, and produce a range of different wine styles depending on just where they grow their vines. Fleurieu is still most commonly associated with Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon wines, although recent years have seen plenty of experimentation when it comes to varietals cultivated.

Country: Australia

Whilst most of Australia consists of arid deserts and dense bushland, the oceanic coasts to the south of the country have a terrain and climate ideal for vine cultivation and wine production. It took several decades of failed attempts at the end of the 18th century in order to produce vines of a decent enough quality for making wine, but since those first false starts, the Australian wine industry has continued to grow and grow. Today, wine production makes up for a considerable part of the Australian economy, with exports in recent years reaching unprecedented levels and even overtaking France for the first time ever. Whilst the greatest successes in regards to quality have been the result of the Syrah grape varietal (known locally as Shiraz), Australia utilizes several Old World grapes, and has had fantastic results from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling, Chardonnay and more. As the Australian passion for locally produced wine continues to develop, wineries have begun experimenting with a wider range of grape varietals, meaning that nowadays it isn't uncommon to find high quality Australian wines made from Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Tempranillo and Viognier, amongst many others.