Yalumba The Tri-Centenary Grenache 2015

A true individual showcasing the essence of Grenache. Sourced from vines that were planted in 1889, from our Nursery Vineyard.

About the Vineyard

The Tri-Centenary (Nursery) vineyard, located in the heart of the Barossa Valley, is the source of the Tricentenary Grenache. This single vineyard Grenache has been crafted from grapes sourced from the block we call VG05. This block, of approximately 2 acres, comprises some 820 gnarly old bush vines that were planted in 1889. The Tri-Centenary (Nursery) vineyard features deep sandy loam layers underlain with red-brown clay. These soils are generally very deep and hold large volumes of water within their pores, which then easily provides water early in the season, essential for good growth. As temperatures increase and evaporation levels rise, moisture levels in the sand decrease 
rapidly, but the vine is able to then draw moisture from the underlying clay. With careful management, these low organic matter soils, dry grown, can consistently produce outstanding quality fruit.

Wine Production

The grapes were hand picked and crushed to our 8 tonne open top stainless steel fermenters.  The natural or 'wild'  yeasts present on the grape skins were allowed to initiate the sugar fermentation.  Cultured winery yeasts were then added to complete the fermentation.  Depending on the particular year, the wine may then remain on skins post-fermentation for an extended period of time, which may be up to 2 - 3 months. The 2015 wine remained 'on skins' for 41 days.

Tasting Notes

There's great purity in this wine. Shy at first but as it sits in the glass over time the aromas deepen, the stem driven earthiness and cedar scents melding with the wines bright fruit tones (think pomegranate, wild strawberries, violets, red petals). This is a complex nose with a lovely 
aromatic spectrum.Restrained in its flavour but so fine in texture with great concentration without being heavy. 
Irresistible, energetic yet relaxed and almost glowing with the brightness of its acidity.

Food Pairing

Pair with Peking Duck

Vineyard & Production Info

Vineyard name:

Tricentenary Vineyard

Soil composition:

Sandy-Loam layers underlain with red-brown clay

Elevation:

500 feet

Year vineyard planted:

1889

Average Vine Age:

123 years

Certifying organizations:

ISO14001; Entwine Australia

Sustainability certification:

EPA Acredited Sustainability Licence

Winemaking & Aging

Varietal composition:

100% Grenache

Prefermentation technique:

1-3 days on skins pre fermentation before wild yeast start to ferment

Fermentation container:

Stainless steel tanks

Malolactic fermentation:

Yes

Fining agent:

Vegan

Type of aging container:

Hogsheads

Age of aging container:

8 months

Type of oak:

French

Length of aging before bottling:

10 months

Analytical Data

Alcohol:

13.5 %

pH level:

3.5

Residual sugar:

0.5 g/L

Acidity:

5.8 g/L