Swinney Grenache 2023

Swinney Grenache is a bush-vine Grenache from the Great Southern, fermented with a portion of whole bunches.

Raised eyebrows greeted the news when Matt Swinney put Grenache into the ironstone hilltops here in the 1990s, the variety being effectively unknown in the area. The 2023 was picked by hand off well-established, dry-grown bush vines on the gravelly loam of the Wilsons Pool vineyard, each vine visited several times so only ripe fruit came in. Bunches were destemmed and sorted berry by berry, then fermented with 20 per cent whole bunches across small wooden fermenters and stainless steel, enough stem to firm up the frame beneath very aromatic fruit. Pressing went to 3600-litre seasoned French wood for 11 months.

Lucid red and blue fruit, spice and sinew, with chalky tannin and a moreish, energetic close. Serve at 16 degrees. Try it with roast lamb and rosemary, grilled mushrooms or a plate of Spanish charcuterie.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.