d’Arenberg, known for their elegant and clearable reds including grenache, has a long history entwined with the McLaren Vale wine region in the state of South Australia. The ‘Vale’ has an incredible grenache legacy going back even further than d’Arenberg’s that surprises many people from outside the region. It has some of the oldest grenache bush vines in the world thanks to the destructive spread of phylloxera in the grape’s home regions of France and Spain.

The Osborn family purchased and rejuvenated some of these old bush vine vineyards that now live a productive life. These vines produce the low yield, intensely flavoured grenache that feature in this wine. Hence, the ‘Derelict Vineyard’ Grenache on the label.

The use of old oak means that that typical grenache raspberry fruit is left to shine through the more savoury earthy notes and sweet nutmeg spice. It is a medium bodied wine, silkily textured and elegantly detailed with a black cherry flourish on the finish. The term ‘moreish’ quickly comes to mind. If you are after a dish to match, a chunky steak and ale pie is a good start, or you can always try roast duck.

Quickie review «An intense, yet elegantly proportioned, juicy, old vine McLaren gem. Moreish, definitely moreish»

Country of Origin: McLaren Vale, Australia
Tasting Date: October 2019
Price:   AU$ 29 | £20 | USD29   
Drink: now – 5 years
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

Want more d’Arenberg wine classics including other d’Arenberg grenache wines, click here and more about the family click here.

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d’Arenberg is one of the producers featured in The Producers – A taste of South Australia.