Fads, fashions, and flavours come and go, but few varieties are as intriguing at the moment as Grenache. Not just in the Barossa but across Australia. Once the most planted variety in Australia, it now forms only around 1% of our vineyards, with less than half that in the Barossa. Fortunately, despite the vinepull schemes of the past, much of this is very old plantings, providing low-yielding but high- quality fruit. There was a time when putting Grenache on a label was the marketing equivalent of a skull and crossbones, but today, finally, Australian winelovers are realising what alluring, ethereal and elegant wines great Grenache can be. The rest of the world can surely not be far behind. Whites, inevitably, play a secondary role but that does not mean we are not seeing some enjoyable efforts. Riesling is on offer, but most producers look to the higher elevations of the surrounding Eden Valley. Semillon was very popular once, less so now, but it is a very different animal to what our most famous Semillon region, the Hunter Valley, offers. Many of those from the Barossa have seen a degree of oak maturation and are more for earlier drinking than the long-lived gems from the Hunter. There are exceptions. Chardonnay is popular but does not cause the elite wines from more suitable regions for this grape many sleepless nights. What is exciting is some of the newer plantings, particularly of Italian varieties like Fiano and Vermentino. The Barossa may not enjoy the endless run of great vintages upon which a place like Margaret River seems to have a mortgage, but there have certainly been some special years this century. 2002, 2004, 2008, perhaps especially 2010, 2012 and then two brilliant years in 2016 and 2018 ensure that those who have cellared well, or who have access to older wines, will drink magnificently. More recently, we have seen a wonderful year in 2022, with excellent rains in the lead-in followed by slightly cooler conditions than average. The wines are certain to age superbly. 2023 had its challenges with a very wet spring and drier summer, but there are many fine wines from it, especially for those who put in the work. 2024 was a return to excellence. Reduced rainfall and drier conditions saw lower yields but high quality. It is early days for 2025, but there is plenty of excitement and the early wines reflect why. This leaves us with 2021. Rainfall was a little lower than average and there was some early heat, though milder conditions throughout harvest. It is, quite possibly, one of the finest vintages ever enjoyed by the region. The wines are scintillating and provide delicious early drinking, as well as much promise for the long haul. A must for every cellar. .
South Australia Wine Guide 2026 | Barossa
57
Powered by FlippingBook