BAROSSA OLD VINE CHARTER (2009) OLD VINES (35 YEARS OR MORE)
THE BAROSSA’S SURVIVING OLD VINE PLANTINGS, c1843–1900 Source: The Australian Ark Note: Vineyard plantings prior to 1850 are described as ‘circa’ (c). Although anecdotal evidence argues that these given dates are reasonably accurate, this type of referencing is probably more appropriate, given the informed guesswork behind many other 19th century vineyards. Plantings marked ‘circa’ from 1850 onwards are generally agreed as the best reference by vineyard owners. These circa vineyards are very old and likely to have been planted within 10 years or less of their indicative dates. There are many vineyard blocks that were planted without records, and many dates are estimates based on handed-down family stories. Also, vineyards have changed hands, and this list compiles their current or recent identities. This list is not exhaustive or definitive, but it highlights the great wealth of surviving ancient vineyards in Australia. The historic timelines are included to show that the pattern in plantings was in response to market conditions and opportunities of the time. 1832 James Busby Collection of vinestock arrives in Sydney 1836 Foundation of the Province of South Australia 1837 Queen Victoria ascends to the throne 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, the foundation of modern New Zealand c1843 Langmeil Freedom Vines (Shiraz), Barossa Valley, South Australia (believed) c1847 Schild Estate Moorooroo Vineyard, Jacob’s Creek (Shiraz), Barossa Valley, South Australia (believed) c1847 Turkey Flat (Shiraz), Barossa Valley, South Australia (believed) c1848 Cirillo Old Vine Light Pass (Grenache), Barossa Valley, South Australia (believed) c1850 Cirillo Old Vine Light Pass (Semillon/ Madeira , Shiraz & Mataro), Barossa Valley, South Australia
“These vines have grown beyond adolescence and are fully mature, with a root structure and trunk thickness that encourage diversity of flavour and character. They consistently produce high-quality fruit and wines of distinction and longevity.” SURVIVOR VINES (70 YEARS OR MORE) “These old vines have reached a significant milestone and serve as a living example of the commitment of grape growers and winemakers who value the quality and structure that the vines impart on their wines.” CENTENARIAN VINES (100 YEARS OR MORE) “These pre-phylloxera vines, planted generations ago, have impressively stood the test of time and matured with thick, gnarly trunks. They produce low yields of intensely flavoured grapes, which can translate into wines with strong character and concentration.” ANCESTOR VINES (125 YEARS OR MORE) “These vines contain genetic material that has helped populate the region with irreplaceable old stocks that underpin viticultural tradition. They are mainly dry-grown, low-yielding vines that produce grapes of great flavour and intensity. They are believed to be among the oldest-producing vines in the world.” Source: Wine Australia & Barossa Australia The Barossa Valley has unparalleled access to old vine material. We have compiled the following list of 19th- and earlier 20th-century plantings for publication in the forthcoming three-volume The Australian Ark which follows the story of Australian wine from 1788 to the present. We expect some vineyards may be missing and expect additions will be made to this list over time.
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
Barossa 2023
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