Who makes it?

The Cirillo 1850 Ancestor Vine Grenache is a testament to the passionate custodianship of the Cirillo family who took over this role in the 1970s. On their Barossa Valley vineyard there are some of the oldest known Grenache and Semillon vines still in production in the world. These bush vine Grenache vines were planted around 1848 on deep, deep sand. This sand means these vines have very deep roots to better withstand the hot and dry summers the Barossa Valley is known for.

Interestingly, the family take their custodianship so seriously that only Vincent Cirillo and his son Marco have pruned these vines since taking ownership.

How do they make it?

The grapes from old vines are very often more deeply concentrated than younger vines. This is due to the smaller berries they produce. The Cirillo family then make the effort to let these grapes shine by letting the wine mature in well seasoned oak for 24 months. 

What does it taste like?

This is wine that needs to be enjoyed over time as it is so detailed. The aromas of spicy, raspberry, cherry and vanilla are kept fresh with a liberal handful of herbs and pepper. It is such a creamy, silky, textural wine with the tannins being soft and shapely. The balance of this wine makes it quite seamless. Flavours of cinnamon, subtle vanilla underline the darker fruit on the palate and those flavours linger a long while.

For those winelovers who have a cellar, it is also a wine that is released with up to 7 years bottle age already. However, don’t let that stop you holding on to it for longer.

What to drink it with?

You could certainly enjoy this wine with a herb crusted lamb rack, or a venison pie. Or just some quality bangers and truffled mash. It doesn’t need food at all though.

Cheese?

Wookey Hole Cheddar (even a Truckle), Manchego or Gruyere would be great.

Quickie review « This wine tells its story with such grace and elegance that you can do nothing but sit and listen and enjoy! »

Country of Origin: Barossa Valley, Australia 
Tasting Date: July 2021
Price:  UK £50 | AU$70 | US$90
Drink: now – 10+ years
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

Like the sound of Cirillo 1850 Grenache, you might like
Ochota Barrels The Fugazi Vineyard Grenache or
Hedonist Shiraz

Visit cirilloestatewines.com.au for more information.