2023 "Pezzonovante" Grenache

GRENACHE IS HISTORIC, A LITTLE FORGOTTEN AND YET A STAR VARIETY OF THE SWAN VALLEY.  THIS FRUIT COMES FROM OLD DRY GROWN BUSH VINES PLANTED BY THE SCAMPOLLI FAMILY.  THE VINEYARD IS NEAR THE BASE OF THE DARLING SCARP CONSISTING OF GRAVEL AND SAND OVER COFFEE ROCK.    
 
THE VINEYARD IS LOW YEILDING AND LOW VIGOUR.  IT IS SHOOT THINNED STRAIGHT AFTER FLOWERING TO EXPOSE THE FRUIT TO MAXIMUM SUNLIGHT EARLY IN THE SEASON.  THE EARLY SEASON SUN EXPOSURE GIVES THICKER SKINNED AND MORE DEEPLY COLOURED GRENACHE. ALONG WITH BETTER FLAVOUR THE THICKER SKINS HELPS PROTECT THE FRUIT DURING RIPENING LATER IN THE SEASON.  AT THE HEIGHT OF SUMMER WHEN THE SUN IS OVERHEAD THE CANOPY ALSO PROTECTS THE FRUIT. 

WE PICK OUR GRENACHE EARLIER THAN IS TRADITIONAL IN THE VALLEY.  IT IS ALLOWED TO NATURALY FERMENT WITH SOME WHOLE BUNCH AND EXTENDED MACERATION.  IT IS MATURED IN OLD OAK AND THE BEST BARRELS SELECTED TO MAKE THIS WINE. 

A BRIGHT MODERN EXPRESSION OF GRENACHE.  RASPBERRY AND DARK CHERRY FRUITS.  A MIX OF FLORAL AND EARTHY TONES ALONG WITH DRIED HERB.  GOOD DEPTH AND YET POISED AND DELICATE WITH FINE AND LONG TANNINS GIVING THE WINE SHAPE AND CARRY.