Grange (wine)

Grange (wine). Grange is an iconic Australian wine produced by the Penfolds winery, widely regarded as one of the world's most celebrated and collectible red wines. First created by Max Schubert in the 1951 vintage, it is a Shiraz-dominant blend, often with a small portion of Cabernet Sauvignon, renowned for its power, concentration, and exceptional aging potential. The wine's creation defied the prevailing winemaking styles of its era and has since become a benchmark for New World wine and a symbol of Australia's viticultural prowess on the global stage.

History and origins

The development of Grange was pioneered by Penfolds chief winemaker Max Schubert following a 1950 study tour of Europe, where he was inspired by the aged Bordeaux wines he tasted. Experimentation began in secret at the Magill Estate winery in Adelaide, with the first experimental vintage made in 1951. The initial commercial releases, including the 1952 and 1953 vintages, were met with significant criticism from the Penfolds board, leading to an official order to cease production in 1957. Schubert, however, continued making the wine clandestinely until the board reversed its decision after tasting the matured 1955 vintage, formally reinstating the project in 1960. The wine was originally named "Grange Hermitage" after the Grange Cottage at Magill, with "Hermitage" being a then-common Australian synonym for the Shiraz grape.

Production and winemaking

Grange is a multi-regional, multi-vineyard blend, sourcing fruit primarily from premium South Australian regions such as the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, and Coonawarra. The core grape variety is Shiraz, typically comprising 85-90% of the blend, with Cabernet Sauvignon added in most vintages for structure. Winemaking follows a traditional Penfolds method, utilizing open fermentation in wax-lined concrete tanks and aging in 100% new American oak barrels for approximately 20 months. This meticulous process, overseen by a succession of chief winemakers including Don Ditter, John Duval, and Peter Gago, emphasizes consistency, power, and the ability to evolve over decades in the bottle.

Characteristics and style

The wine is characterized by its deep, inky color and a profoundly complex bouquet that evolves with age, showcasing aromas of ripe dark fruit, liquorice, chocolate, and distinctive American oak-derived notes of vanilla and mocha. On the palate, Grange is full-bodied and densely concentrated, with a rich tapestry of flavors including blackberry, plum, and pepper, supported by firm, ripe tannins and a long, persistent finish. Its hallmark is its extraordinary longevity; with decades of cellaring, the primary fruit mellows, integrating with secondary characteristics of earth, leather, and spice, achieving a renowned balance and harmony.

Vintages and critical reception

Notable exceptional vintages include the 1955, 1971, 1976, 1990, 1998, 2004, 2008, and 2012 releases, each highly sought after at auctions conducted by firms like Langton's and Sotheby's. The 1971 vintage received a perfect 100-point score from influential critic Robert Parker, cementing its international reputation. Conversely, some vintages, such as 1960, 1974, and 2000, are considered less successful due to challenging climatic conditions. The wine's consistent quality and investment potential are documented in the Langton's Classification of Australian Wine, where it has held the highest "Exceptional" classification since the survey's inception.

Cultural impact and recognition

Grange holds a unique place in Australian culture, featuring in major events like the state dinner for Queen Elizabeth II during her 1970 tour and being served to world leaders at the 2007 APEC summit. It is a centerpiece of the Penfolds Recorking Clinic program, a global service for aging bottles. In 1995, the 1990 vintage was named "Wine of the Year" by Wine Spectator magazine. The wine's significance was further enshrined when the 1998 vintage was added to the National Museum of Australia's collection, and the original 1951 experimental bottle is displayed at the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Category:Australian wine Category:Penfolds wines Category:Shiraz wines