Old Vine Grenache

2019 Yangarra Estate Old Vine Grenache

Ancient Grenache vines, planted in 1946 in the sandy dunes ("The Beach"), on the geological formation of Maslin Sands. This estate is located in the elevated and cool north-east of McLaren Vale, where Yangarra Estate seeks complexity and elegance in its Garnacha vines. The vines are not irrigated, the clusters are sorted at the winery, only the perfect berries are selected, then open fermented with wild yeasts and pressed in baskets.

Winemaker: Peter Fraser

VARIETY: 100% Grenache
Age of the vine: 1946
Soil: White Sands
Region: Grown on the farm in Kangarilla, Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale

HARVEST SUMMARY 2019

The 2019 growing season was very dry, resulting in incredibly low yields. With a relatively warm ripening period, which produced a very condensed and fast crop. The later maturing varieties performed very well in a season like this, resulting in concentration, freshness of flavour and pronounced natural acidity. The grapes were harvested on 21 March (fruit day). In addition to sugar/acidity balance, we consider the biodynamic calendar wherever possible, with fruit and flower days being the most desirable, and avoiding root days. The vineyard is certified biodynamic with Australian Organic Certification.

WINEMAKING

Hand picking, mechanical sorting. 50% of whole bunches. The rest of the berries were crushed. Cold maceration for 5-6 days. Open fermentation with wild yeasts. No pressings were used. No fining, only filtration. The wine was kept on yeast lees in used French oak 100%. 14-21 days on skins, gently pumped over twice a day.