The Lively 2015 Low Stock

The 2015 Vintage
2015 was a sensational year. There were good spring rains. The summer was mostly dry, however a few short rain events which maintained soil moisture until harvest. Favourable weather conditions meant that minimal fungicide treatment was required on the vines. Grenache is a late ripening variety and these grapes were picked in April, a month later than the nearby shiraz.

The Vineyard
Our Grenache block has it tough. High on the rocky hillside exposed to the north and west, it is hit by winds and hot afternoon sun. Given that the vines are unirrigated, it is no wonder that they took 15 years to produce sufficient volume to give us a straight varietal. Over time the vine roots have sunk deep into the hillside, producing vines that are almost indestructible in the adverse conditions. The somewhat harsh conditions reduce this Grenache’s traditional tendency to over-crop, thus we experience low yielding fruit with wonderful varietal character.

The Winemaking
We wanted to express the vibrant fruit flavours of Grenache, uncompromised by heavy oak or oxidative exposure. With this in mind, the grapes were hand-picked, fermented in open vats without extended maturation, and basket pressed. After six months in tank with a few oak staves, this wine was bottled in screw cap when still fresh and lively, and left to age 12 months in bottle. The pH has been achieved with natural acidity; no additions have been required.

Variety: 100% Grenache
Vintage: 2015
Harvest Date: April 2015
Vineyard Location: North west vineyards
Geology / Soil Profile: Deep, red rocky clay loam (derived from Cambrian Rock)
Viticulture Practices: Un-irrigated vineyards, zero tillage, grass sward between rows, cane pruned
Yields: 1.0 tonne/acre
Alcohol: 15%
pH: 3.4
Bottle Packaging: 750 ml punted burgundy
Closure: Stelvin ROTP Screwcap
Cartons: 6 bottles in branded cartons 2 x 3 lie down.