Grenache 2022 Barossa Valley Bethany Wines

Johann Gottlob Schrapel and his family arrived from Silesia on the George Washington in 1844, eight years after South Australia was initially settled.

Like many Silesian migrants, they travelled by ox cart to Bethany (Bethanien) and established the Barossa’s first settlement.

Johann planted the first vineyard in 1852 from cuttings carried from Europe & he built a wine cellar and had a good reputation as a winemaker. 

In 1981, fifth generation brothers Robert and Geoff established Bethany Wines.

They built a winery in the quarry where the early pioneers had hewn stone for their homes.

The Grenache fruit is sourced from low yielding old bush vines which are hand pruned to 50-60 buds per vine.

These old vines are grown on their own roots rather than grafted rootstock, naturally limiting the canopy growth and allowing for better fruit exposure to sunlight.

This exposure ensures even ripening of the grapes with enhanced fruit flavour esters and colour ripeness.

The fruit is hand-picked very late in the season at optimal ripeness.

The result is an Old Vine Greanche  with a bright nose of red fruits and earthy notes that leads you to a palate of dense, chewy fruit and fresh, fine grained tannins which lead to a long and complex finish.

This is a powerful, layered and utterly drinkable wine and the perfect companion to hard cheeses.