Winemaker Notes
The Cirillo 1850 Grenache grown on sandy soils situated in the old “Seigersdorf” or “Light Pass” area of the Barossa Valley. This single vineyard is believed to be the oldest Grenache vineyard left in the world. This Grenache has been recognized as a part of the Iconic Trust Mark which assures quality and excellence. There are attractive aromas of dark berry fruit, dried herbs and spice. The palate is medium to full-bodied with intense yet subtle delicate flavors of cherry, herbs, white pepper and chocolate notes. Matured in aged seasoned hogsheads for 24 months. The Cirillo Grenache is more about the variety than the oak. The tannins are soft and long with great length. The balance between the primary fruit and the acid make this a beautifully seamless wine, with irresistible drinkability
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
A remarkable effort, especially considering how difficult the 2011 vintage was in South Australia. Floral notes emerge on the nose, dressing up hints of raspberry compote, while the medium- to full-bodied palate delivers raspberries, cherries, cinnamon, clove and pepper. The tannins on the finish are fine and silky. Drink now–2025.
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James Suckling
A graceful wine, delicate and precise and with no sense that it is under-ripe or lacking, despite it being the coldest and wettest vintage in recorded history. It is a different melody of grenache, however, with almost nebbiolo-like aromas of tea leaf, sandalwood, peony, mulch, Japanese radish and bitter, pithy cherry amaro. The oak stands out a bit more than usual due to the lighter density. A bit pokey across the finish, to be churlish. But a contemplative, delicious wine all the same.
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.