Grenache
Bekkers McLaren Vale Grenache 2021
The Bekkers Grenache 2021 is a meticulously crafted blend sourced from four distinct vineyards. Among them, a parcel dating back to the 1930s in Blewitt Springs imbues the wine with a nuanced medium body, while a higher altitude plot in Kangarilla lends its signature Asiatic spice and aromatic fragrance. Adding to its complexity, the Seaview Road parcel brings forth density and a silky texture.
In the cellar, the winemaking process is marked by precision and care. Twenty-one percent of the fruit is kept whole bunch during fermentation, while the rest undergoes gentle destemming without crushing, followed by machine sorting to remove any undesirable berries. Cold soaking for 5 to 6 days precedes natural fermentation, where no additional yeast is introduced. Fermentation is carried out gently, with the intention of avoiding over-extraction.
Following fermentation, the wine is basket pressed into 500-liter French oak puncheons. Here, it is aged on fine lees with minimal sulfur additions, allowing the wine to develop its character before being racked and bottled without filtration. This meticulous approach ensures that the essence of the Grenache varietal shines through in every sip.
"It’s one of those wines that feels almost transparent in its understated nature, the colour is bright and yet pale, the flavours similarly so but you get detail of woody, nutty spice, sour-sweet red berry fruit, a flinty-mineral quality and a sheath of light, sandy tannin wrapping things up in a bow and drawing the wine long. It’s a pretty and fine-boned expression, supple and yet finds firming pucker. I like how the lights are low here, it’s moody and beautiful to drink."
95 Points - Mike Bennie - The Wine Front
Alc/Vol: 14.0%