Cirillo The Vincent Grenache 2014
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Suckling
James
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James Suckling
A concentrated and deeply flavorsome grenache from the sandy Vine Vale soils, this has attractive spicy red and purple berry fruits with some gently stony, almost flinty edges and hints of wild roasting herbs. The palate's beautifully fresh and lithe, really nicely honed in terms of tannin, and vibrant and succulent. Red-plum and dark-cherry flavors snap fresh through the finish. Superb wine.
Other Vintages
2021-
Parker
Robert
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Spectator
Wine
The Cirillo family moved to the small district of Light Pass in 1970. Vincent Cirillo became the custodian some exceptional vineyards that were planted in 1848; today it is noted to be the oldest surviving and producing Grenache and Semillon parcels in the world. Their prized fruit went to well-known producers; Rockford, Peter Lehmann, St. Hallet and Torbreck.
Marco Cirillo, the youngest of four children had always helped the family cultivate and preserve their precious Grenache, Semillon and Shiraz vineyards. It was during the late 1990’s when Marco was studying winemaking through Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, and actively working as a cellar hand where he honed his skills as an exceptional winemaker that he is today.
The family farm and ancestor vineyards grow in around 8ft of pure golden sand, which is a common terroir of the Vine-Vale area. Marco and Vincent remain the only two people who have ever pruned the 1848 Grenache vineyard in the past 40 years. The early ‘basket-pruning’ style that was adopted by Vince in the 70’s has helped the vines support themselves and continue to produce incomparable fruit each year. Their meticulous craftsmanship is why this vineyard is a picture of health today.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
Historically and presently the most important wine-producing region of Australia, the Barossa Valley is set in the Barossa zone of South Australia, where more than half of the country’s wine is made. Because the climate is very hot and dry, vineyard managers work diligently to ensure grapes reach the perfect levels of phenolic ripeness.
The intense heat is ideal for plush, bold reds, particularly Shiraz on its own or Rhône Blends. Often Shiraz and Cabernet partner up for plump and powerful reds.
While much less prevalent, light-skinned varieties such as Riesling, Viognier or Semillon produce vibrant Barossa Valley whites.
Most of Australia’s largest wine producers are based here and Shiraz plantings date back as far as the 1850s or before. Many of them are dry farmed and bush trained, still offering less than one ton per acre of inky, intense, purple juice.