Winemaker Notes
Since Torbreck's first release The Steading has been winemaker David Powell's favorite wine because of the old magnificent vines that produce its core.
The melding of the three traditional Barossa varieties creates a tremendously complex and rewarding wine. The Grenache and Mataro are from old bush vines that are pruned in the traditional "goblet" style to a limited number of buds, reducing yields and promoting flavor and color concentration. Only the free run component of the Shiraz is used in the blend to allow the Grenache identity to shine through.
"On a highland farm the collection of barns, stables and outbuildings is
known as a steading. The varieties Grenache, Mataro and Shiraz all
stand in their own right. However, in blending, their strengths create a
complex wine of solid earthy structure."
-David Powell, Winemaker
Professional Ratings
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.
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.