Handpicked Wines Collection Barossa Valley Shiraz 2015
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2013-
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Handpicked is a contemporary and dynamic Australian wine company with a unique business model. Unlike most wineries, we do not limit ourselves to one region or style. Instead we aim to lead wine lovers on a journey through the world’s fine wine regions.
The Handpicked story grew from the simple, yet bold desire to bring the world of wine under one label. We 'handpick' the wine regions and grape varieties from around Australia and beyond to craft a global portfolio of wines which all reflect a supreme sense of place.
Handpicked is made up of a team of experienced winemakers, viticulturalists and wine lovers. Making wines across the world means our winemakers are constantly busy travelling to ensure we produce the highest quality wines from each and every region.
We achieve this diverse portfolio through our vineyards in Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Margaret River and Barossa Valley and through established partnerships with vignerons in other regions. Our two winemakers work closely with local producers to ensure our wines reflect the quality and regional character we are looking for.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
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.