Harena Grenache 2022

Story

The modern-day English word ‘arena’ derives from what Ancient Romans referred to as 'Harena' – the sandy battleground on which gladiators performed their thrilling spectacles. Sourced from 90 year-old bush vines in the deep sands of Blewitt Springs, famed for producing some of the world’s finest Grenache.  

Tasting Note

Alluring fragrance of sweet flowers, mulberry, raspberry, blackberry and cherry all carry over to the highly textured and svelte palate, meshed with layers of fine, silky and gravelly tannins. The expansive flavour profile gains exciting tension as the tannins build to a savoury intensity, finishing with impressive length of fruit and long succulent acidity.

Winemaking

Handpicked and whole berry destemmed into 2 tonne open fermenters. Half of the fruit was cold soaked for two days prior to inoculation, while the other half was inoculated immediately and included 15% whole bunches. Pumped over twice daily during ferment with rack and return used during peak ferment. To begin temperatures were kept cool, but were allowed to rise up to 32˚C to extract sufficient tannin. Once pressed, the wine was transferred to 50% 2 year old, and 50% seasoned French Oak Hogs Head barrels for 10 months maturation. The final wine was bottled without fining and receiving only light filtration.

Vineyard

Brookmans Road, Blewitt Springs

At an elevation of 190m above sea level, old bush vines are dry grown in Maslin Sand over ironstone. The sandy soils, due to their lower water holding capacity and less organic matter, control Grenache’s tendency to become too vigorous, reducing yields and keeping berry size small, while also allowing greater flavour and tannin ripeness. Cooler average temperatures from the higher elevation maintain freshness of aromatics and balanced acidity in the wine.

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