Australian Wine Discovered Grenache and blends Educator guide There’s nothing like Australian wine because there’s nothing like the people and the places of Australia.

Australian Wine Discovered is an education program designed to welcome more people into the Australian wine community, to help them discover what makes Australian wine authentic, unique and exciting. Developed by Wine Australia for Australian wine, it gives leading independent wine educators the information and resources you need to share an Australian wine experience.

AustralianIntroduction Grenache to wine and blends Educator guide Preparing for your class

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide The materials

As an educator, you have access to a VIDEOS suite of teaching resources and handouts, including this educator guide: You will find complementary video files for each program in the Wine Australia Assets Gallery. Educator guide We recommend downloading these This guide gives you detailed topic videos to your computer before your information, as well as tips on how to best event. Look for the video icon for facilitate your class and tasting. It’s a guide recommended viewing times. only – you can tailor what you teach to Loop videos suit your audience and time allocation. These videos are designed to be To give you more flexibility, the following played in the background as you optional sections are flagged throughout welcome people into your class, this document: during a break, or during an event. There is no speaking, just background ADVANCED NOTES music. Music can be played aloud, or turned to mute. Loop videos should Optional teaching sections covering be played in ‘loop’ or ‘repeat’ mode, more complex material. which means they play continuously until you press stop. This is typically an easily-adjustable setting in your chosen media player. COMPLEMENTARY READING Feature videos These videos provide topical insights Optional stories that add from Australian winemakers, local background and colour to the topic. experts and other. Feature videos should be played while your class is seated, with the sound turned on and SUGGESTED clearly audible. DISCUSSION POINTS Map flyover videos To encourage interaction, we’ve These are short video files providing included some optional discussion additional visuals for the location and points you may like to raise with your topography of a region using Google class. Consider asking them to work in Maps. There is no audio. small groups to answer the question and then report back to the class. If you would like more movement in your classroom, ask them to write the group responses down on sticky notes (one idea per note) and attach them to a wall or whiteboard.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Presentation slides Tasting list The presentation follows the content in A editable tasting list template is available your guide and is designed for your in the Wine Australia Assets Gallery. We attendees, using visuals and photography strongly recommend filling this in to give to convey key points. We recommend to your class, so they have a record of projecting it on a big screen so it’s clearly what wines they tasted and where it can visible to all attendees. be purchased. There is a separate version of the presentation available with space for Certificate student notes. We recommend printing A downloadable participation certificate is a copy of this for each participant prior also available in the Wine Australia Assets to the class. Gallery. You can add your logo and fill in An editable PowerPoint version of the the relevant course details before presenting presentation is available on request. to attendees.

*Please note these documents, and any information, Complementary handouts diagrams or images contained therein, must not be extracted, reproduced, or distributed except to the You will find downloadable handouts in the extent it has been expressly authorised under license Wine Australia Assets Gallery. These can be from Wine Australia. printed and distributed to your class.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Suggested timings

This program is designed to be taught in one to three hours. How long you spend on each topic – or whether you cover it at all – will depend on your attendees as well as time allocation. Below are two different examples of how you may wish to divide your time.

One hour class Three hour class

Topic Time Topic Time (mins) (mins)

Welcome and introduction 5 mins Welcome and introduction 10 mins

The history of Australian The history of Australian 2 mins 15 mins Grenache Grenache

How it’s grown 2 mins How it’s grown 10 mins

How it’s made 3 mins How it’s made 5 mins

The art of blending 5 mins The art of blending 10 mins

Where it’s grown 10 mins Where it’s grown 20 mins

Characteristics and flavour 25 mins profiles (including tasting) Break 15 mins Grenache by numbers 3 mins Characteristics and flavour Summary and class close 5 mins profiles (including tasting) 45 mins

How to select Australian Grenache 10 mins

How to serve and enjoy 10 mins

Grenache by numbers 10 mins

Summary and class close 10 mins

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Preparing for your event

3 weeks prior Confirm event time and book venue Confirm equipment availability (glasses, projector, mats, etc.) Invite attendees (recommend setting an RSVP for 1 week prior to event).

1 week prior Reconfirm venue availability – check tables/chairs if being provided by venue Confirm number of attendees Review course content and make any required edits to presentation slides Select the wines (one bottle per 16 attendees). See suggested mix below Draft and print your tasting list in order of presentation (blank template provided).

1 day prior Print attendee list Collect and clean glassware Put wines in fridge to chill overnight, if required Double-check you have all equipment required to run the event.

3 hours prior Check wines are at an appropriate temperature, with white and sparkling wines in the fridge Set up room Set up and test projector/laptop/iPad Ensure the venue manager is aware of the start time and location for the masterclass and can direct attendees if necessary.

30 minutes prior Gather the wines, using ice buckets with a 50:50 mix of ice and water for white and sparkling wines.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide You will need

Per attendee Suggested products to taste 1 glass for each wine you’ll • Cirillo Barossa Valley be tasting • Yalumba Barossa Valley 600mL bottle of water • SC Pannell McLaren Vale 1 spittoon (plastic cups are • Yangarra McLaren Vale suitable) • Ochota Barrells Palate cleansers, such as water crackers Should you wish to extend the tasting, the following regions and varieties are Tasting mats, wine list and other relevant handouts recommended: • Jauma Ralph’s McLaren Vale Grenache Pen. • D’Arenberg Custodian Grenache • Charles Melton Nine Popes GSM To set up your training • Henschke Johann’s Garde room Grenache Blend Tables and chairs to seat all participants Note: A table (or barrel) at the front • Allow 1 bottle per 16 participants. for the wines • Have a second bottle on hand Ice and ice buckets to for any wines sealed with cork to hold wines allow for cork taint issues. Corkscrew • You can pre-pour red wine in advance if time is tight – wine Wiping cloth or paper towel should be served at 15°C (60°F). for spills Avoid pre-pouring white or Projector and screen/wall sparkling wine so it can be serve chilled. Some classes may require microphone and speakers.

Tip: Arrange tables and chairs to encourage discussion. U-shaped room with a round table format is ideal.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Contact Wine Australia

Get in touch to find out more about Asia Pacific Wine Australia or access additional p +61 428 113 058 Australian Wine Discovered education e [email protected] programs and resources. Americas www.wineaustralia.com p +1 415 529 7652 e [email protected] Europe, Middle East & Africa p +44 207 438 4665 e [email protected] China Wine Australia supports the p +86 21 6010 3952 responsible service of alcohol. e [email protected]

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Program information and presentation slides

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide There’s nothing in the world like Australian wine because there’s nothing like the climate, soils and regions of Australia. We have some of the oldest geology and most complex soils in the world.

The Australian wine community today is founded on the explorers of the past, who identified the optimal vineyard sites and the sophisticated winemaking techniques that make our fine wines so special. Australian winemaking and grape growing is constantly evolving. Our winemakers and viticulturists are curious, willing to experiment and to challenge convention to ensure that they craft authentic wines that are a true expression of place. From the iconic to the lesser known, our 65 wine regions each boast distinct characteristics that are expressed in wines made by talented winemakers attuned to their land.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Australian Grenache: The rebirth of a classic While somewhat overlooked in the past, Australian Grenache is a variety that truly expresses its terroir, capturing the unique combination of country, climate and culture.

VIDEOS resource that produces incredible wines with a classic balance of fruit, alcohol, Now is a great time to play the moderate acidity and tannin that have Grenache loop video in the background, a savouriness akin to Pinot Noir. as you welcome people into your class. • As well as single-variety Grenache, Australian wineries have had success with Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro (Mourvèdre) The story of Australian Grenache could be blends, better known as GSM. a film plot. There’s a good beginning, a plot • While production numbers are relatively twist with real crunch, then a happy ending... small, these new, lighter styles of • Grenache was one of the original varieties Grenache are much-loved by consumers planted in Australia and thrived in the and critics alike. We can expect to see warm, dry South Australian climate. But it more of this perfumed, lighter red wine in was largely overlooked in the early years, all its forms. used as a workhorse grape and forming the backbone of fortified wines and traditional blends. FUN FACT • Today, growers recognise the beauty of the Grenache has its own calendar day, ripe, spicy, cherry and raspberry-scented held on the third Friday of September. characteristics that Grenache can yield. #GrenacheDay Australia boasts the oldest Grenache vines in the world, dating back to 1850. It’s a rare

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Today we’ll cover • The history of Australian Grenache • How it’s grown • How it’s made • The art of blending • Where it’s grown • Characteristics and fl avour profi les • Grenache by numbers

TIME TO TASTE!

This may be a good opportunity to give everyone a taste of a classic Australian Grenache. The full tasting comes later in the program.

DID YOU KNOW

Grenache is the French spelling of the Spanish word Garnacha.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide The history of Australian Grenache was Grenache one of the original varieties brought to 1832 Australia by James Busby, the ‘father of Australian wine’. 1838 First Grenache vineyard planted in South Australia, thriving in the warm, dry conditions.

80 Mid-1920s to late 1960s A popular choice for fortifi ed wine production 1970s (which made up 80% Mid-1980s 1988 of the industry in 1990s and 2000s 1960). Today

1832 1838 The story of Grenache in Australia begins Records suggest that the first Grenache at the commencement of serious viticulture vineyard was planted in 1838 in McLaren in the country, and its earliest plantings Vale. The variety took off, and in 1862 one of remain shrouded in mystery. While there the leading wine critics of the time reported is evidence to suggest the first Grenache that Grenache was “thriving better than any vines in Australia arrived – along with several other kind”. It had found its home in South other varieties – with the First Fleet, the first Australia, where the warm, dry conditions documented planting is attributed to James mimicked those of its Mediterranean home. Busby, who imported it in 1832. Born in Scotland, Busby was in his early 20s when Mid-1920s to late 1960s his family emigrated to New South Wales in Grenache was seen as a reliable workhorse, 1824. After teaching viticulture in Australia, producing high yields when given plenty he conducted a grand tour of the key of irrigation and maintaining good acidity wine regions of France and Spain in 1831, even in warm climates. For this reason, it collecting vine cuttings and sending them to was a popular choice in Australia from the Australia packed in a mix of moss, sand and mid-1920s to the late 1960s, when the bulk of soil. 363 varieties survived the journey and wine production was fortified. However, only were planted in Sydney’s botanic gardens. rarely did the word Grenache appear on a Grenache was one of those survivors, and wine label. from New South Wales it found its way to South Australia.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide 1832 1838 Mid-1920s to late 1960s

Consumer preferences shift 1970s to table wines. Grenache production dramatically decreases.

Wirra Wirra winery removes Grenache from Mid-1980s renowned ‘Church Block’ blend, replacing it with Cabernet Sauvignon Winemaker and Merlot. Charles Melton experiments with the classic GSM 1988 Australian blend, creating BLEND the fi rst batch of 1990s and 2000s now legendary Today ‘Nine Popes’.

1970s removed Grenache from the blend of its ‘Church Block’ red (first made in 1972, with The shift to table wines from the 1970s 70% Grenache), replacing it with Cabernet onwards didn’t help Grenache. In 1979, Sauvignon and Merlot. 72,000 tonnes of Grenache were harvested, which dipped to 15,000 tonnes in 2012. As the area under vine in Australia increased 1988 (plantings doubled in the 1990s), Grenache’s As plantings nose-dived, Grenache was percentage of total vineyard plantings rarely seen as a solo act. But visionary decreased as no one was planting it. It winemakers including Charlie Melton now stands at just over 1% – around 1,500 recognised that Grenache combines well hectares. with other varieties, particularly in the classic Rhône combination of Grenache, Mid-1980s Shiraz and Mataro (Mourvèdre), known as ‘GSM’. They also realised old, dry-grown The situation wasn’t helped by the classic, Grenache vines deserved renewed respect. warm regions of South Australia fading Fortunately, this means some early vines are from view as people’s attention turned to still thriving today. Australia’s cool-climate wine regions. Even within South Australia, focus was on the *See complementary reading bigger, more obviously fruity wines that could be obtained from Shiraz, and even Cabernet Sauvignon. A sign of the times came in the mid-1980s, when Wirra Wirra, one of McLaren Vale’s leading wineries,

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide 1832 1838 Mid-1920s to late 1960s 1970s Mid-1980s 1988 Winemakers begin 1990s and 2000s to appreciate what old-vine, low-yielding Grenache can off er.

GRENACHEAustralian

Today The new, lighter styles of Grenache are much-loved by consumers and critics alike, so we can expect to see much more of this perfumed red wine in all its forms.

Today – a story of passion and perseverance Despite being a widely planted grape, for decades Grenache received little respect in Australia. But as understanding of what old-vine, low-yielding Grenache could offer, its stocks shot up. Today, Grenache is breaking out with some superb single-variety wines from South Australia. Its future seems assured.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Australia’s old vines Australia boasts some of the oldest continually producing vines in the world. Unlike many international wine regions, South Australia’s wine regions weren’t aff ected by Phylloxera, a tiny insect that can devastate vines. Photo Barossa Grape and Wine Association Grape Photo Barossa

SUGGESTED DISCUSSION POINT Australia is home to some of the oldest still-producing vines in the world. What qualities does this bring to Australian Grenache?

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Charles Melton: The original champion for Australian Grenache As one of the fi rst people to recognise the value and tradition of old-vine Grenache blends, Charlie Melton is part of a small group of winemakers responsible for retaining the viticultural heritage of the Barossa Valley.

Fun Fact When looking for a name for his new GSM blend, Charlie named his now legendary wine ‘Nine Popes’ after the French appellation, Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Little did he know the more accurate translation is actually “The Pope’s New Castle”…

COMPLEMENTARY READING The Barossa Valley’s adopted son If you ask a Barossa Valley local who’s the proudest, most passionate advocate for their region, the name Charlie Melton will almost certainly come up. So, was it a long family history or a yearning passion for wine that led Charlie to this famed Australian wine region? Nope. Sydney boy Charlie only stopped in the Barossa Valley to get money to fix the broken-down Holden ute he was using for an epic Australian road trip.

Two Aussie blokes and a broken-down flatbed truck Travelling around Australia is seen as something of a rite of passage for young Australians. In this spirit, Charlie and his mate jumped in their flatbed ute in 1973 to explore our great southern land. While the finer details of their journey have grown hazy over the years, we know the trip came to an abrupt halt when their truck broke down in the Barossa Valley. To fix it, they needed money – money they didn’t have. They needed to get work and so started looking for jobs. They quickly found two: one for a vineyard worker and one for a cellar hand, but they couldn’t decide which of them should do which job. So they flipped a coin. Call it fate, call it luck, call it intervention from the wine gods, but it was decided by a coin toss that a young Charlie Melton would work as a cellar hand at Saltram. It was there that Charlie met fellow Barossa Valley legend Peter Lehmann. The two got along famously and Charlie quickly became Peter’s protégé, following him when Peter started his own winery in 1979.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide COMPLEMENTARY READING From apprentice to master Charlie learnt a lot from Peter, particularly a respect for the region’s vineyards and grape growers. The 1980s were a tough time in the region, with an oversupply of red grape varieties a big issue for growers and winemakers. Many 100-year-old Shiraz and Grenache vines were consequently pulled out. Although a relative newcomer to the area, Charlie couldn’t stand idly by and watch the destruction of the region’s heritage. So in 1984 he purchased his first grapes to make wine under his own label. He wasn’t alone. Now-famous Barossa wineries like St Hallett, Rockford, Bethany, Grant Burge, Heritage, The Willows Vineyard and Elderton also sprung into action. While Charlie has a lot in common with these Barossa greats, there is one key difference: Charlie built his name and reputation on blends of Barossa Grenache, not the more popular and common Shiraz.

The original champion for Australian Grenache If old-vine Barossa Shiraz had few friends in the 1980s, old-vine Barossa Grenache was even less popular. It was made into cheap fortified styles that were high on alcohol but low on complexity. Yet unlike most in the Barossa Valley, Charlie saw potential in the dry-grown old Grenache vines. While others neglected them, Charlie treated the vines with care and love. He focused on reducing yields in his vineyards, vastly improving the quality of the grapes produced. Taking inspiration from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Charlie took the fruit from these vines and blended it with Shiraz and Mataro (Mourvèdre) to create what would become his flagship wine, ‘Nine Popes’. Charlie loved the resulting wine but knew that if he labelled it as a Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre (GSM) blend then his chances of selling it were next to zero. So he looked to the region that had inspired the wine and translated it into English. And so Châteauneuf-du-Pape became “Nine Popes”, and a legendary Australian wine was born. Only one little problem: Châteauneuf-du- Pape more accurately translates to “The Pope’s New Castle”, not “Castle of the Nine Popes”! By the time Charlie realised his translation was off it was too late, and just like Charlie Melton in the Barossa, ‘Nine Popes’ was here to stay.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Old bush (goblet) vines Viticulture: How Australian Grenache is grown

Tight yield control

High yields Low yields = =

fruity, less GRENACHEAustralian more complex wines concentrated flavour and character

Dry-grown Copes well in hot conditions with no irrigation and harsh pruning. Photo Barossa Grape and Wine Association Grape Photo Barossa

The vine mean (no water, harsh pruning, hot weather) Many of the older Grenache vineyards and you get a small-yielding crop that can in South Australia are not trellised. This produce complex, character-filled wine. ancient method of vine training results Lavish it with irrigation and let it grow wildly in a goblet shaped growth. They are and you can be left with a jammy, thin red typically thick vine canes that grow upright, that’s closer to Rosé. allowing more airflow and sun penetration. Yield Machinery cannot be used, requiring labour- Grenache can be very high yielding. intensive work during harvest and pruning. However, if over-cropped, the wine tends Among newer vineyards, the most common to be too simple and basic. In the Barossa trellising is bilaterally trained single-wire Valley, for example, average yields are trellis with a catchwire. However, vertical 6–12 tonnes per hectare, with the exception shoot positioning and cane-pruned trellises of the dry-grown, old vines that are much are also used. The trellising type usually lower yielding, with some only producing 1–2 depends on the age of the vines and the tonnes per hectare. Yield control has a major preference of the owner. impact on wine quality. Generally speaking, the lower the yield, the more intense the Irrigation concentration of tannin and flavour from Vineyards on shallow soils require irrigation, the grapes, resulting in higher-quality and whereas many old vineyards, or those on better-structured wines. deeper soils, are dry-grown. Grenache is commonly considered best when dry-grown and copes well in adverse conditions, with a high tolerance to wind and drought. Treat it

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide SUGGESTED Harvest DISCUSSION POINT Grenache requires a long growing season Good viticultural management and was traditionally one of the latest is crucial to the quality of the end grapes to be harvested, but nowadays many product. Higher yields combined with winemakers choose to harvest earlier in later harvesting (some raisination) the season. As the grapes ripen, the sugar leads to jammier, heavier wines. content increases and the acid content Whereas tight yield control and decreases. The trick is to harvest at a time ripe harvesting (or even a tad early) when the balance is just right. elevates the freshness and vibrancy of Grenache and blends. So is it quality of the site and vines, or the winemaker that has a bigger impact on the end result?

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide VIDEOS Winemaking: Now is an appropriate time to play the How red wine is made feature video, How is red wine made? While it’s not specific to Grenache, it provides background context on the typical production process.

Harvest De-stemming Fermentation and crushing

Malolactic Maturation Fermentation Pressing

A B

Blending Fining and filtering Bottling

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Winemaking: Techniques infl uencing Grenache style

Stems are Stems are Stems removed, but added are left in grapes aren’t contact crushed

Whole berry Stem inclusion Whole cluster fermentation fermentation

Varying techniques may be used, allowing the winemaker to create their own unique wine and to build character and complexity. Whole berry fermentation Stems are removed, but grapes aren’t crushed prior to fermentation. This helps slow the extraction of tannic components. Stem inclusion Stems are added to a ferment that started with destemmed fruit. Whole cluster (aka whole bunch) fermentation Stems are left in contact with the wine, which leads to a higher tannin content and heightened aromatics. Often used with lighter style reds, it can also help give the wine better ageing potential.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Winemaking: Techniques infl uencing Grenache style

Unbroken grape clusters still on the stems Extended maceration times

CO2

CO2

CO2

Carbonic Extended Stainless Maturation maceration skin contact steel tanks

Carbonic maceration opt for stainless steel or large, older (neutral) Carbonic maceration is essentially intra- barrels, which impart less oak flavour. cellular fermentation. Fermentation begins Maturation with whole, unbroken grape clusters still on Large format oak or older oak barrique the stems. In an anaerobic environment, like maturation can work well with Grenache, a vat filled with carbon dioxide, the grapes resulting in vibrant, elegant wines that are will begin to ferment within themselves very drinkable and easy to match with a (using their own enzymes). This works wide variety of foods. until the ABV reaches about 2%. Then the grapes split open and the ambient yeasts Oak barrels allow the wine to breathe, on the grape skins will begin to kick-start making smoother wine that isn’t regular alcoholic fermentation. Carbonic overpowered by oak flavours. Older oak maceration imparts a unique character provides softer tannin structure for ageing and leads to fruit-forward styles. Grenache wines. Post fermentation maceration/ Bottling and ageing extended skin contact Most Australian Grenache is bottled with Extended maceration times (10–40 days) screw cap. The ageing potential varies gives a silky texture and more savoury depending on the different style. Some are characters. made for early drinking (2–5 years), but it’s not uncommon to find better-quality Stainless steel tanks examples that can be cellared for 10+ years. Only the lowest-yielding, tightest Grenache can cope with oak. This is why many wineries

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide SUGGESTED DISCUSSION POINTS • Why is oak commonly avoided in the Grenache winemaking process? What would be an instance where oak could be used to enhance the Grenache? • What role does the fruit quality and winemaking approach play in creating different styles of Grenache?

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Australian Grenache and the art of blending

In rosés

Australian Australian As a straight DRY RED Australian rosé variety dry WINE BLEND red wine Australian FORTIFIED WINE

In fortified wines, especially Tawny styles.

As blending material, particularly with Shiraz and Mataro (Mourvèdre) in GSM blends

The concept of ‘terroir’ combined with a Grenache is a versatile variety that can dose of typical Australian modesty means be used in several ways: winemakers will often say “wine is made • As a straight variety dry red wine in the vineyard” and “less is more”. While single-vineyard sites, straight varieties and • As blending material, particularly a hands-off winemaking approach certainly with Shiraz and Mataro (Mourvèdre) play an important role in Australia, some of in GSM blends our most well-renowned wines are a blend of • In rosés different grapes, vintages and even regions. And Grenache is certainly no different. • In fortified wines, especially Tawny styles. Blending is one of the tools a winemaker can use to create the style they are looking for.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide GSM blend

Adds Adds Adds SHIRAZ extra spice red fruit richness and flavours characters weight in the mouth.

GRENACHE Grainy tannins Lowers tannin and acidity Australian GSM MATARO (MOURVÈDRE) Increases BLEND alcohol level Perfume and anise characters

When many were cursing the amount Grenache typically: of Grenache planted across Australia, a • Increases alcohol level young winemaker in the Barossa, Charlie • Lowers tannin and acidity Melton, saw potential in these dry-grown old • Adds red fruit characters vines. He took the fruit and blended it with Shiraz and Mataro (Mourvèdre) to create • Adds extra spice flavours. a wine that would inspire a generation. Winemakers in classic Australian regions If the wine is not made from concentrated created their own styles using exceptional grapes with a reasonable level of acidity, fruit that had once struggled to find a the alcohol in Grenache will often be too home. The famous Rhône blend had found sharp and the wine may fall over early due a new home in Australia. to the lack of ageing potential. By blending it with Shiraz and Mataro (Mourvèdre), the *See complementary reading natural level of acidity in the finished wine is improved, which extends its ageing potential and can create a more balanced wine. Grenache provides aromatic spiciness and delicacy, Shiraz adds richness and weight in the mouth, and Mataro (Mourvèdre) gives perfume and anise characters and grainy tannins.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide ADVANCED NOTES

To blend or not to blend? While some purists may think blending leads to an inferior wine, iconic Australian blends are tasting better than ever. The freedom to blend at the winemakers’ whim is producing modern Australian wine styles that are delighting palates around the world. The perfect blend assures an exciting future for the Australian wine community. The aim of blending is to create a wine that consistently outshines the sum of its parts. It may be the aroma, colour, acidity, tannin or alcohol level that the winemaker is trying to balance; at each stage the winemaker adds a level of texture and complexity. Blending also helps a winemaker maintain consistency. Once they find their magic formula, it’s the winemaker’s job to replicate that year after year. This is no easy feat when working with grapes across different vintages, often grown under different conditions. A hotter-than-usual summer or a poorly timed pre-vintage drenching affects the grapes and ultimately the percentage of each wine used in the final blend. The emergence of Grenache and other popular blends in Australia inspired winemakers to begin experimenting with classic and alternative varieties. Tempranillo blended with old vine Touriga Nacional in McLaren Vale. Nebbiolo blended with Barbera in the Adelaide Hills. Sangiovese with Cabernet, Nebbiolo and Shiraz in the King Valley. Even Shiraz and Pinot Noir blends have seen a revival in the Hunter Valley. It’s an exciting time for Australian wine.

SUGGESTED DISCUSSION POINTS • Why is blending such an important part of winemaking? • What qualities does Grenache bring to a red wine blend, compared to other varieties? • How has Grenache impacted the emergence of wine blends in Australia?

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Australian Grenache regions DID YOU KNOW Grenache is a variety that relishes warm Labelling laws climates and improves as the vines age, Rules apply to all variety claims which is why the Barossa Valley and McLaren stipulating the minimum amount of a Vale, two of Australia’s oldest regions, single grape that a wine must contain produce some of the best Grenache. Both for that wine to be labelled as a are located close to the South Australian single variety. An 85% rule applies in capital of Adelaide – and it’s a lively debate Australia, which means at least 85% as to which region consistently produces of the wine must be from the grape the better wine! in question. This percentage varies from country to country – for example, it’s 75% in the US and 85% in the EU.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Australia

Southern Pacifi c Ocean

Northern Territory

Queensland Barossa Valley

Western Australia

South Australia Barossa Wine Valley AustraliaIndian Ocean New South Wales 32°S Victoria

Stuart Hwy Wine regions of Barrier Hwy 0 500 South AustraliaKilometres Tasmania Southern Ocean

Eyre Hwy

South Australia NEW SOUTH WALES 34°S

Flinders Hwy

Lincoln Hwy

Murray R

Sturt Hwy Spencer Gulf Barossa

Gulf Valley St Vincent

Adelaide

Ouyen Hwy

Kangaroo Dukes Hwy Island

36°S VICTORIA

Riddoch Hwy

Princes Hwy

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Southern Ocean

South 0 20 40 100 kilometres Australia

0 20 40 100 miles 38°S

AUSTRALIA www.wineaustralia.com © 2017 Wine Australia Barossa Valley • Strong food and wine culture • A rich viticultural history • World-renowned wines • Innovative winemaking

Fun Fact The original name was actually spelled “Barrosa” after the Barrosa Ridge in the Spanish region of Andalusia. However an error in the registration process meant “Barossa” stuck. Photo © SATC/Sven Kovac, used with permission Kovac, © SATC/Sven Photo

Strong food and wine culture World-renowned wines The Barossa is home to legions of home The diverse range of wines from the region gardeners and orchardists, the deservedly have won over the world’s wine lovers, famous Barossa Farmers Market and some from wine writers and sommeliers to wine of Australia’s most renowned restaurants. geeks and novices. Shiraz is the Barossa’s Combined with a temperate, Mediterranean star performer, but Grenache, Mourvèdre climate that lends itself beautifully to the (Mataro), Riesling and Semillon all have a production of extraordinary wines, it’s a long and distinguished history of producing recipe for culinary adventure. exceptional wines.

A rich viticultural history With a rich vine and wine history dating back to 1842, the Barossa Valley is one of the most historic wine-producing regions in Australia. The region was pivotal in the evolution of Australian wine in the 1970s and 1980s, bringing fine Australian wine to a global audience.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Innovative winemaking DID YOU KNOW Today, there’s a generation of winemakers The Barossa Valley is one of two who are changing the face of wine in the regions in the Barossa zone. Barossa Valley. Some come from families The other smaller but still-prominent that have been part the region’s fabric since region of Eden Valley is renowned for the 1800s. Others have been drawn from producing dry Riesling that’s become afar to explore the rich tapestry of soils and a classic Australian wine style. terroirs that make the region so renowned. They are exploring innovative grape varieties and experimenting with grape growing and winemaking styles. Organic and biodynamic farming, earlier picking dates, whole-bunch fermentation, extended skin contact, fermentation in amphora and large format oak and minimal-intervention winemaking are just some of the ways winemakers are experimenting with innovative techniques.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Barossa Valley snapshot

Crush Type

Barossa Valley

Australia’s total 4% grape crush

Barossa Valley Australia’s total 24% Grenache crush WHITE RED

Grenache Barossa Valley’s Barossa 5% total crush Valley 20% 80%

Crush The significance and quality of Barossa Grenache far outweighs its small production figures.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Latitude

Barossa Valley 34° 29'S

Altitude

>1000m High (>3280ft)

750–999m Medium-high (2460–3279ft)

500–749m Low-medium (1640–2459ft)

Barossa Valley 0–499m Low (0–1639ft)

250-370m (525-1,213ft)

Latitude Altitude Grape vines favour what can be described Barossa is typified by gentle rolling as ‘temperate’ climates, which mostly fall hills and valleys, which means there are within distinct latitudes of 30˚ and 50˚ from many mesoclimates within the region. the equator. Barossa Valley is no exception. Temperatures vary from warm in the lower altitudes of the Barossa Valley to cool in the higher altitudes of the nearby Eden Valley. Plenty of sunshine on the deeper valley soils promote healthy vine growth, but excess vigour is often restricted by shallow soil and a lack of water-holding capacity.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Climate Growing season rainfall

Barossa Valley Low 150–300mm (5.9–11.8 inches)

Maritime Continental Medium 150–300mm (5.9–11.8 inches)

Barossa Valley Mediterranean High 150–300mm (5.9–11.8 inches)

Climate Growing season rainfall Grenache needs warm, dry conditions such Calculated from October to April in Australia, as those found in the Barossa Valley. growing season rainfall is a good indication of how much water is available to the vine. The Barossa typically has cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Rainfall during the growing season is quite low, which means supplementary irrigation is sometimes used.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Mean January Heat degree days (HDD) temperature (MJT)

Barossa Valley

Hot >23˚C um H edi igh (>74˚F) M

V e r Barossa Warm y w h Valley 21˚C–22.9˚C o L i g 21.4°C (71˚F–73˚F) h Moderate 19˚C–20.9˚C (66˚F–70˚F)

Cool 1000–1299 17˚C–18.9˚C 1300–1599 (63˚–66˚F) 1600–1899 > 1900

Sources: SA Winegrape Crush Survey, 2015. Wine Australia, 2017

Temperature Heat degree days (HDD) is an indicator of the warmth of a climate during the vine-growing period. These warm conditions help build weight and fruit richness to the wines. Cooler nights ensure consistent ripening, but not too quickly. With long daily sunshine hours, the viticultural temperature average is only slightly warmer than that of Bordeaux (France) and Margaret River (Western Australia).

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Soil Barossa soil types vary greatly, ranging from deep sandy loams to clay and red-brown earths. Grenache is typically grown in the deep, rich, fertile black soils of the Barossa Valley fl oor.

Grenache prefers well-drained soils and marginal growing conditions to produce Notable Grenache optimum colour and flavour, but it’s a producers relatively adaptable variety and thrives on a range of soils in the Barossa Valley. Cirillo Estate Wines: ‘The Vincent’ and ‘1850s’ – oldest Grenache vines in the world Charles Melton: ‘Nine Popes’ – benchmark and historic blend Yalumba: ‘The Tri-Centenary’ and ‘Old Bush Vine’ John Duval: ‘Annexus’

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide ADVANCED NOTES

Barossa’s old vines • Barossa is home to the world’s oldest continuously producing Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro (Mourvèdre) and Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards, with one planting dating back to 1843. • Low-yielding old vines go through the ripening process more consistently, producing grapes that are full of intensity and flavour and contributing to great complexity, structure and balance. • Old vines do present their challenges, often needing lots of nurturing and producing extremely low yields. • Their deep roots are a great asset. They aren’t affected by short rainstorms in wet vintages. And in times of drought, they can tap into water reserves in the subsoil. • Remember that while vine age is often seen as an indicator of quality, it’s certainly not a prerequisite. However, vineyards that consistently produce great wine are often taken care of and therefore get the opportunity to become old vines.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Australia

Southern Pacifi c Ocean

Northern Territory

Queensland Barossa Valley

Western Australia

South Wine Australia McLaren Vale AustraliaIndian Ocean New South Wales 32°S Victoria

Stuart Hwy Wine regions of Barrier Hwy 0 500

South AustraliaKilometres Tasmania Southern Ocean

Eyre Hwy

South Australia NEW SOUTH WALES 34°S

Flinders Hwy

Lincoln Hwy

Sturt Hwy Spencer Gulf

Murray R

Gulf St Vincent

Adelaide

McLaren Vale Ouyen Hwy

Kangaroo Dukes Hwy Island

36°S VICTORIA

Riddoch Hwy

Princes Hwy

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Southern Ocean

South 0 20 40 100 kilometres Australia

0 20 40 100 miles 38°S

AUSTRALIA www.wineaustralia.com © 2017 Wine Australia McLaren Vale • The birthplace of wine in South Australia • Diverse natural beauty • Grenache as star performer • Boutique wineries with a creative spirit • Environmentally conscious

The birthplace of wine Boutique wineries with a in South Australia creative spirit Home to some of the world’s oldest Although it has thousands of hectares under grape vines. vine and the demand for its wines at an all-time global high, McLaren Vale retains Extreme natural beauty the innovative spirit it was born with. Much Nestled between rolling mountains and of that spirit stems from the fact that “the white, sandy beaches, this dramatic Vale” still has many boutique wineries that landscape hosts a charming collective continue to push the boundaries in search of villages offering a smorgasbord of fine of perfection. It’s a classic region that’s wine, food, art and nature. determined to stay contemporary Grenache as star performer Environmentally conscious Grenache has long been known as the A large percentage of local producers farm jewel in McLaren Vale’s crown. The region organically, biodynamically or employ is also renowned for Shiraz and Cabernet sustainable farming methods. Sauvignon, as well as newer arrivals such as Nero d’Avola, Fiano and Vermentino.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide McLaren Vale snapshot

Crush Type

McLaren Vale

Australia’s total 3% grape crush

McLaren Vale Australia’s total 15% Grenache crush WHITE RED

Grenache McLaren Vale’s McLaren Vale 5% total crush 10% 90%

Latitude

McLaren Vale 34° 16'S

Altitude

>1000m High (>3280ft)

750–999m Medium-high (2460–3279ft)

500–749m Low-medium (1640–2459ft)

0–499m McLaren Vale Low (0–1639ft)

50–250m (164-820ft)

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Climate Growing season rainfall

McLaren Vale Low 150–300mm (5.9–11.8 inches)

Maritime Continental Medium 150–300mm (5.9–11.8 inches)

McLaren Vale Mediterranean High 150–300mm (5.9–11.8 inches)

Climate and rainfall McLaren Vale’s climate is ‘Mediterranean’, characterised by warm summers, mild winters, winter-dominated rainfall, low relative humidity and relatively high evaporation. However, the proximity of Mount Lofty and Gulf St Vincent play an important role in moderating the climate and are largely responsible for many meso- and micro- climatic differences. Wind is also a significant factor. There are two distinct and completely separate wind sources: gully winds that blow east to west through the foothills, and sea breezes blowing south to north across Gulf St Vincent.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Mean January Heat degree days (HDD) temperature (MJT)

Hot >23˚C um H edi igh (>74˚F) M McLaren Vale V McLaren e r Warm y w Vale h 21˚C–22.9˚C o i L g 21.7°C (71˚F–73˚F) h

Moderate 19˚C–20.9˚C (66˚F–70˚F)

Cool 1000–1299 17˚C–18.9˚C 1300–1599 (63˚–66˚F) 1600–1899 > 1900

Sources: SA Winegrape Crush Survey, 2015. Wine Australia, 2017

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Soil McLaren Vale is one of the most geologically diverse regions in the world. Red-brown sandy loams, light clays interspersed with lime, distinctly sandy soils – all this and more can be found in the same region.

McLaren Vale is one of the most geologically diverse regions in the world, with over 40 Notable Grenache unique geologies present that vary in age producers from 15,000 years to over 550 million years. Kay Brothers: Amery Vineyards ‘Basket There is a wide variety of soil types, a Pressed Grenache’ reflection of the varied terrain. Red-brown sandy loams, light clays interspersed d’Arenberg: ‘The Derelict Vineyard’ with lime, distinctly sandy soils – all Wirra Wirra: ‘The Absconder’ this and more can be found in the same S.C. Pannell Grenache region. Combined with climate, old vines and innovative winemaking, it lays the foundations for outstanding viticulture.

FUN FACT The James Halliday Grenache Challenge In 2017, the inaugural James Halliday Grenache Challenge gathered Grenache wines from around Australia for a competitive tasting to celebrate and elevate the variety. It’s yet another indication that Grenache is coming out of the shadows and into the limelight.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide SUGGESTED DISCUSSION POINTS • While South Australian Grenache gets all the glory, Grenache is also grown in the Clare Valley and Langhorne Creek, as well as Heathcote and cooler regions such as Frankland River. What sorts of different styles are these regions producing? And what role does climate play? • With Grenache being grown in so many different regions, what role does the climate and soil type play on the vine? Is there an ideal climate, soil and age of vine for a Grenache?

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Full

Australian Grenache characteristics and fl avour profi les

CHARACTERISTICS

CHARACTERISTICS

Light Medium Full StrawberryStrawberry BodyLight Medium Full BODYBODY Light Medium High FLAVOURSFLAVOURS Earth Earth OakLight Medium High OAK Tannin TANNINTANNIN CherryCherry Acidity ACIDITYACIDITY Dry Medium dry Sweet SweetnessDry Medium dry Sweet Dark raspberryDark raspberry SWEETNESSSWEETNESS 10% 13.5%–15.5% 10% Australian Australian Alcohol10% 13.5%-15.5% 17% GRENACHEAustralianGRENACHE ALCOHOLALCOHOL GRENACHE White pepperWhite pepper Pinot Noir Shiraz Pinot Noir Shiraz Spice Spice Grenache Grenache

TIME TO TASTE! Grenache is sometimes referred to as ‘warm climate Pinot Noir’. Its skill is in making Now is an appropriate time to taste lighter-coloured, perfumed, elegant red and discuss your selected mix of wines. wines, not lacking flavour, but with freshness, vibrant fruit and balanced structure. In this sense, Grenache is in fashion because Australia’s current wine trend is to move away from dense, opaque, sweetly fruited red wines towards lighter, more drinkable reds with a prettier personality. The result is supple, elegant reds that are highly food compatible and very drinkable. Now that winemakers are recognising Grenache’s talents for graceful reds, fewer are trying to force it into an unnatural style.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Food pairing

Charcuterie Game Darker, meaty fi sh such as tuna

Grilled and BBQ Light to moderately Softer, washed rind meat spiced dishes and cheeses curries

Grenache is an ideal wine to enjoy with food. The medium-high alcohol, fruit characters, medium tannin and low acidity mean it works well with a range of dishes from game through to mild curry and pasta.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Grenache by numbers Plantings

Approximately = 1% Historical plantings 1,500 of Australian hectares total

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

HECTARES 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2010 2012 2015

TOTAL 2,427 2,528 2,323 2,292 2,097 2,025 2,011 2,011 1,795 1,796 1,507

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Total Australian red wine crush Grenache crush by region

43% Riverland Shiraz 26% 43% Riverland Shiraz 26% Barossa Valley Cabernet 24% Barossa Valley SauvignonCabernet 24% 12% McLaren Vale

Sauvignon Australian 15% Merlot 12% RED McLaren Vale

Merlot Australian 15% Pinot Noir 5% RED 6% Langhorne Creek Pinot Noir 5% Langhorne Creek Grenache 47% 6% Grenache 47% 9% Grenache 3% Murray Darling - Other 9% Grenache SwMuran Hillray Darling - Other 1% 3% 1% 9% OtheSwrans Hill 9% Others

Top 5 Grenache export destinations Grenache exports

Canada 7% Canada 7% 31% China Approximately 31% China Approximately 1% = of Australian1% 4.33 = of Australian million4.33 litres wine exports million litres wine exports 22% United USA 12% 22%KingdomUnited USA 12% Kingdom

23% Other 23% New Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2015. Wine Australia, 2017. Other 4% New 4%Zealand Zealand

SUGGESTED Price range DISCUSSION POINT As a rule of thumb, you don’t need to spend The Riverland region is the largest more than A$30 (US$24) to get a good Grenache producer, yet is rarely bottle of Australian Grenache. It will be for recognised as a premium Grenache immediate drinking, although some will region. Discuss differences between cellar for a few years. Premium examples affordable, everyday drinking of old vine Grenache cost anywhere from Grenache and the more complex styles A$50–$80 (US$40–$60). This is significantly of Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. less than the equivalent quality Australian Shiraz or Cabernet, which makes it an attractive choice for more price-sensitive consumers. That said, the more you pay, the better the wine. Pay more for a Grenache and you’ll find it has great depth of flavour, better structure, more interest and complexity, and in many cases more longevity for the cellar.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Summary

Key points to remember •  Australia is home to some of the oldest Grenache vineyards in the world, with continually producing vines dating back to the 1800s. •  Grenache has a long history as a workhorse red variety and was once used extensively in fortified wine production. •  Single-variety Grenache is currently in fashion, but the variety forms the backbone of classic red blends, partnering beautifully with Shiraz and Mataro (Mourvèdre) for GSM. Grenache is also used successfully in the production of fortifieds and rosé. •  Grenache is perfectly suited to the hot, dry climate of South Australia’s Barossa and McLaren Vale regions, world-renowned for their old-vine Grenache. •  If over-cropped, the wines can be simple and basic – keeping yields low results in higher- quality and better-structured wines. •  Australian Grenache is characterised by medium tannin and acidity, as well as high alcohol content. Aromatics include strawberry, earth, cherry, dark raspberry, white pepper and spice. Grenache is a light, fruit-forward variety that works as well on its own as it does in a blend.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Grenache: A bright future for an old classic

There is palpable excitement around Australian Grenache at the moment, with a new wave of modern winemakers producing wines that are bringing worldwide attention back to this perennially evolutionary Australian variety. And after so many years of underappreciated service to the wine industry, it’s a gratifying development – one that will pave the way for a new generation of wine lovers to make the acquaintance of an iconic Australian wine.

Australian Grenache and blends Educator guide Thank you