Ben Glaetzer Wallace Shiraz Grenache 2022

Description

Product Information: Wallace is Glaetzer’s take on the traditional Barossa Valley blend of Shiraz and Grenache, only with a modern twist. The Shiraz provides structure, depth, and richness to the wine, while the Grenache contributes a soft, vibrant juiciness with minimal oak influence. Made of Shiraz and Grenache, this is exceptional old vine fruit sourced from the famed Ebenezer sub-district at the northern tip of the Barossa Valley. Vine age is 50—80 year old Shiraz and 50—100 year old Grenache, pretty spectacular for an entry level red. Old vine Barossa Grenache has a liveliness and structure that does not benefit from oak maturation—oak contact was thus minimised for the Grenache component to preserve the purity and animation of the fruit. The Shiraz was matured for 16 months in 2—3 year old oak hogshead barrels (80% French / 20% American). Wallace is an ancestral name of Colin’s wife, Judith, whose family hail from the old market town of Cupar in Fife, Scotland. Judith’s Celtic ancestry is reflected in the three elements of the Wallace symbol – the Celtic cross, thistle and the Celtic knot pattern. Maker: The Glaetzer family has a deep rooted viticultural history in the Barossa Valley, dating back to 1888. After 30 years of winemaking, Colin Glaetzer established the family winery to create limited quantities of super premium Barossa Valley red wines. Today Colin’s son Ben makes unique and elegant wines which are regarded as classics and unmistakably Barossan. All fruit for Glaetzer Wines is taken from a small sub district of the Northern Barossa Valley called Ebenezer which produces exceptional fruit from very old vines (30-130 years). The softness and elegance of Ebenezer fruit coupled with Ben Glaetzer’s winemaking style results in generous wines with great depth of flavour that are also elegant, multilayered and finely balanced. All fruit for Glaetzer Wines is taken from the small sub-region of the northern Barossa Valley, called Ebenezer. The ancient dry-grown vineyards in the renowned Ebenezer district are an important part of Australia’s winemaking heritage and a living link to traditional Barossa viticulture. Exceptional fruit comes from a loyal group of third and fourth generation Barossa grape growers, the backbone of Glaetzer wines. Most plants are trained to a standard single vine, with permanent arm, rod and spur. But the most exceptional fruit is sourced from 80-110 year old, non-grafted bush vines which are extremely low yielding. The oldest vines bear only 0.5 to 1 tonne per acre. Younger vines produce 2.5 to 3 tonnes per acre. Most of the vineyards are dry-grown (non-irrigated) but some of the newer vines (propagated from original plantings) have supplementary drip irrigation to combat stress in drought years. The very old vines require minimal attention. Their deep root structure means they are self-sufficient and can adapt to climatic extremes. The climate and soils of the Barossa Valley vary markedly from north to south. The warmer Ebenezer district has low rainfall and relative humidity which results in full, intensely-coloured wines. The softness, elegance and approachability of Ebenezer fruit has become the hallmark of the Glaetzer ‘house style’. Ebenezer has a unique soil profile. The well-drained sandy clay loam over a solid limestone pan is perfect for growing Shiraz. The soil is ‘mean’ and encourages deep roots which helps produce hugely concentrated wines of great character. Vineyard: The Shiraz brings intensity, depth and body to the wine, and the Grenache adds a softness and vibrant juiciness. There is an enticing nose of dark plum, raspberry and bay leaf with hints of fennel and white pepper. Black fruits dominated the palate with touches of pepper. Savoury tannins and brightness brings balance with a long finish. This wine can be cellared for up to 8 to 10 years. – Ben Glaetzer, Winemaker. Nose – Spicy Red Fruits, Earth, Savoury An enticing nose of dark plum, raspberry and Provencal lavender with hints of anise and pepper grinder. Palate – Juicy, Strawberry, Cream It’s a medium to full bodied wine from the Barossa displaying beautifully spicy red fruit throughout Finish – Woodsy Spice, Clove, Red Licorice Savoury tannins that remain rounded balance with the brightness on the finish. The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Shiraz 75%, Grenache 25% Country – Australia Region – Barossa Valley, South Australia Vintage – 2022 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 14.5%