Rosemount Diamond Grenache-Shiraz 2002 Front Label
Rosemount Diamond Grenache-Shiraz 2002 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

Grenache is one of wines longest serving grape varieties, with plantings dating back into pre-history evidenced by its wide distribution today throughout the South of France and Northern Spain. In Australia, the variety was amongst the first to be planted in early viticulture over one hundred fifty years ago, along with the classic Shiraz variety, also selected in those early years for its capacity to grow in warm, dry climates. The two varieties have often been combined and invariably create a delicious synergy of flavours, exemplified by the rich perfume and dusty, exotic spice characters of Grenache to complement the deep berry fruit and pepper flavours of Shiraz.

The 2000 vintage season proved challenging for Australian viticulturists across much of the country with a hot summer followed by rains during the picking season. These conditions required a great deal of hard work in the vineyards to maintain quality and avoid spoilage.

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With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.

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A large, climatically diverse country with incredibly diverse terrain, producing just about every wine style imaginable, Australia has a grand winemaking history and some of the oldest vines on the planet. Both red wine and white wine from Australian are wildly popular and beloved. Most of Australia's wine regions are concentrated in the south of the country with those inland experiencing warm, dry conditions and those in coastal areas receiving tropical, maritime or Mediterranean weather patterns. Australia has for several decades been at the forefront of winemaking technology and has widely adopted the use of screwcaps, even for some premium and ultra-premium bottles. Thanks to the country’s relatively agreeable climate throughout and the openness of its people, experimentation is common and ongoing.

Shiraz is indeed Australia’s most celebrated and widely planted variety; Barossa Valley leads the way, producing exceptionally bold and supple versions. Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia's second most planted variety, can be blended with Shiraz but also shines on its own particularly in Coonawarra and Margaret River. Grenache and Mourvèdre are also popular, both on their own and alongside Shiraz in Rhône Blends. Chardonnay is common throughout the country and made in a wide range of styles. Sauvignon Blanc has recently surged in popularity to compete with New Zealand’s distinctive version and Semillon is often blended in Margaret River or shines on its own in the Hunter Valley. Riesling thrives in the cool-climate Clare and Eden Valleys. Sticky-sweet fortified wine Rutherglen is a beloved regional specialty of Victoria.

CGM09662_2002 Item# 56998