About The Pack
Grenache is currently experiencing a golden era in Australia.
A truckload of Australian producers are finally giving the variety its due. From the sandy soils of McLaren Vale and the ancient plantings in the Barossa as well as other pockets of the country, some truly stunning examples of Grenache are emerging.
Here are six of our current favourites that exemplify the quality that can currently be found if you know where to look. Six great modern producers of the grape are featured here and it's terrific value to boot.
2020 Bondar Junto GSM
"We want Grenache to be the hero of this blend, with its superb aromatics and soft juicy mouthfeel."
Andre Bondar, Owner/winemaker
In only a few short vintages this dynamic couple have carved out a niche for their eponymous label as one of the most exciting and in demand wineries in McLaren Vale.
Drinkability is writ large across the range. The 'Junto' (Spanish for 'together') is a wine made for easily enjoying with friends and family.
The Grenache component is the star, with a quite dominant 88% of the blend with Shiraz, Mataro, Counoise and Carignan in the supporting cast.
This is as delicious as medium-bodied reds get from this part of the world. Incredibly versatile and impossibly moreish, Andre and Selina have done it again.
Read more about 2020 Bondar Junto GSM2021 Spinifex Papillon
"Glistens in the palate; like sucking on a ruby."
Mike Bennie (The Wine Front)
Introducing Papillon - one of the most gluggable reds in the Barossa Valley!
The Spinifex wines cover a wide spectrum, from rich, full-throttled old vine Shiraz all the way to this, a light bodied, energetic Grenache Cinsault blend made for easy day-time drinking.
These styles are certainly in vogue but as usual, winemaking wizard Schell elevates it to another level, utilising incredibly old vines and astute winemaking to add depth and complexity to what is joyously pure red berried fruit.
Papillon is one of our go-to's and just unbeatable value. What a producer Spinifex is.
Read more about 2021 Spinifex Papillon2021 Cirillo Vincent Grenache
The Cirillo Vincent Grenache is year after year one of the country's best value Grenache.
Marco Cirillo's family lays claim to the world's oldest Grenache vines, the most ancient of them dating back to 1850. The Vincent is the baby of the bunch made from a blend of 80, 90 and 100-year-old vine material.
Vincent is a charismatic character, just like his maker. It bucks the trend of big, sweet, oaky Barossa Grenache and sits firmly in the bright, cheery and gluggable camp. A portion of whole bunches give it a lifted perfume and silky texture, while the use of older French oak and stainless steel ensure this is a lot brighter and bouncier than many of its Barossa counterparts.
Read more about 2021 Cirillo Vincent Grenache2021 Golden Child Unknown Road Grenache
James Hamilton at Golden Child, always plugged into the zeitgeist, had heard that they grew good Grenache in McLaren Vale. So he took the unknown road to seek out some G'nache from Blewitt Springs.
And he's made a belter of light and juicy, drink-now-or-forever-hold-your-thirst red, that bursts with red fruit perfume.
Early picked fruit, lots of whole bunch, some carbonic maceration. It's lacy, fine and pure with excellent acidity, and insane drinkability.
Read more about 2021 Golden Child Unknown Road Grenache2020 Vino Volta Post Modern Seriousism Grenache
More and more attention being paid to the Swan Valley crew these days. If wines like this keep popping up from the region, the buzz is going to get all the louder.
It's a brilliant Grenache here from Garth and Kristen. Mature vines, the region's flagship variety, a touch of whole bunch and a lot of care in the making. It jumps out of the glass.
There's modern, then there's post-modern. And if this is post-modern, then sign us up!
Read more about 2020 Vino Volta Post Modern Seriousism Grenache2019 S.C. Pannell Basso Grenache
"This is a youthful, flavoursome wine to make you smile!"
Steve Pannell, Owner/winemaker
The Basso is a lighter, fresher, more 'smashable' version of Grenache from Steve Pannell.
It's Steve's minimal-intervention wine. It's bottled with a minimal amount of sulphur, unfined and unfiltered.
Steve's wines are all about melding with our Australian culture and this is the perfect fit for BBQs and beach cricket.
It's lighter in body, dappled with the lacy tannins and spice of early-picked Grenache - It's just a great anytime/anywhere red from one of the country's finest winemakers.
Read more about 2019 S.C. Pannell Basso Grenache