Autumn has Arrived
The sun is setting sooner & the cold is settling in for it's winter stay. As autumn rolls in, we bring you your April bottle: the 2022 Vinya Vella Old Bush Vine Grenache.
Crafted by the talented Dylan Grigg, the 2022 Vinya Vella Grenache is a testament to the artistry of winemaking.
This wine exudes a deep ruby color and offers a captivating bouquet of red cherries, wild berries, and a touch of spice, hinting at its layered complexity. On the palate, it unfolds gracefully, revealing flavors of ripe strawberries, a dash of white pepper, and a subtle herbal undertone that adds depth. The tannins are well-integrated, silky, and smooth, supporting the wine’s structure without overpowering its delicate nuances.
This Grenache is perfect for an evening of indulgence, ideally paired with roasted meats or a hearty pasta dish. Its elegance and expressive fruit profile make it a standout choice for those seeking a wine with both character and sophistication.
- Dylan Grigg
The Barossa Valley, one of Australia's renowned wine regions, boasts nearly two centuries of vinous history and is home to some of the world's oldest continually producing vines. This picturesque region features a mix of eucalyptus trees and ancient vines, with charming Germanic architecture dotting the landscape. Its Mediterranean climate, characterized by dryness, low humidity, and ample sunshine, creates perfect conditions for robust reds and whites. Despite its warm climate, the Barossa is only slightly warmer than Margaret River and Bordeaux. The area's diverse subregions offer a rich tapestry of soils, ranging from clay loam to sandy soil, adding to its vibrant character.
Vinya Vella is a small parcel of land paying homage to the old Grenache vines of Spain. Located in Vine Vale, Vinya Vella sits below the hills of the higher Eden Valley. The soils and climate have lended themselves to support vines to age. It only takes a glance at the vines to see the weather-beaten features, being gnarled by growth rate and rate of decay. Vines at Vinya Vella are easily over 100 years old, hand pruned and and trained into bush vines, a method traditional to the Barossa Valley and Mediterranean Europe where Grenache originates. This training method for the vines allows for optimal light exposure whilst also sheltering the grapes within.
DYLAN GRIGG, PhD
Dylan Grigg is the mastermind behind Vinya Vella.
Pivoting from an apprenticeship as a chef, Dylan found himself pruning vines in the Barossa. Inspiration for Vinya Vella came from a series of fortunate events for Dylan, with a move to Spain after finishing his PhD. From here, a move back to Australia during the pandemic and a fateful phone call with a consulting client: "This is killing us, but we have to sell our (vineyard) property. Would you know anyone interested?".
Dylan says it's the stories in the old vines that drew him in. They tell the story of how they were managed, how they survived. The gnarly & the beautiful intertwined in a tale of time.