d'Arenberg The Originals Custodian Grenache 2021 x 12
The custodian Grenache 2021
McLaren Vale, Grenache (100%)
The Name
During the vine pull scheme in the 80s,
d’Arry Osborn refused to remove his old
Grenache vineyards. Today, d’Arenberg is
the keeper of nearly one-third of McLaren
Vale’s old bush vine Grenache, earning the
title of ‘Custodian’ of the variety.
The Vintage
The preceding winter was beautifully wet,
flushing the soil of salts and filling the soil
profile. Spring was also wetter than average,
with rainfall continuing until November,
which was almost completely dry. November
was hotter than normal, upsetting the
setting of berries—just as well, as the bunch
number was way up.
Two inches of rain in early February were
much appreciated by the relatively large
crops. Where crops were smaller, berry size
grew. The heat produced rapid flowering,
set, and berry development, leading to an
early veraison and the equal earliest start of
vintage on record. A few consecutive days
around 35°C in February rapidly ripened
early, lower-cropping vineyards. From then
on, the vintage was mild and dry. Average
temperatures for autumn were lower than
usual. Some warm 30°C days in late March
and early April helped finish ripening the
larger crops and late-ripening varieties.
Harvest dates
Residual sugar
16 Feb - 13 Apr
1.6 g/l
The Winemaking
Small batches of grapes are gently crushed
and transferred to open fermenters. Foot
treading is undertaken two-thirds of the way
through fermentation. The wine is basket
pressed and transferred to old French oak
to complete fermentation and mature. The
barrel ferments are aged on lees, and there
is no racking until final blending. This wine
does not undergo fining or filtration prior to
bottling.
The Characteristics
Bright ruby red.
Lifted aromas of red cherries, cranberries,
and red plums, with a hint of bouquet garni.
Generous red fruits with a slight savoriness
on the palate, rounded out with complex
graphite tannins.
An elegant and complex example with loads
of flavor and interest
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