Discover: Artisans of Barossa Small Batch Grenache

We use our Small Batch label as an opportunity to collaborate and explore new Barossa wine styles.

Six tonnes of Grenache were hand-harvested from the Riebke Vineyard in Ebenezer on 1 April 2023. Initially destined for our Grenache Project, it became apparent that the vineyard and vintage conditions would play a more substantial hand in the eventual wine style than the winemaker’s hand. And this is where collaboration reveals its most potent form.

Being small allows for continuous decision-making, and the pivot was made to test the boundaries of Grenache and create a lifted and delicate Grenache from a single, old-vine vineyard. Crafted to push the evolution of this variety.

The Riebke vineyards are rich in clay, limestone, and loams, and at 280 masl, they are often one of the last Barossa Valley vineyards to be picked. The vineyard has been farmed for five generations, with Carol and Nick Riebke the current owners and managers. The original vineyard was planted from Shiraz cuttings brought over on the ship their family immigrated on. 

Winemaking:

No whole bunch, only a few months (six) in older oak puncheons, and designed to get the promise of youth and vibrancy into the senses as soon as possible. Old, large-format oak has provided depth and texture without over-oak aromas or flavours.

Cranberry and raspberry aromas with a slightly earthy undertone. Although light, the wine hits all points of the palate with a long finish. The length and fragrance are impressive for this single vineyard Grenache. 

Perfect for any occasion where lighter-style reds are called for, this wine is fantastic with braised and grilled meat, slow-cooked Spanish dishes like baked fish with tomato and capers, or kicking back with charcuterie and manchego. Amazing.

Region: Ebenezer

Ebenezer is a subregion and township in the north of the Barossa Valley. The historic Ebenezer settlement was settled by 72 Wendish Lutherans who had migrated from Silesia in January 1852. The modern locality of Ebenezer also includes the nearby Neukirch settlement, founded in 1854 by Lutheran immigrants. Neukirch was renamed Dimchurch in 1918; however, the original name was restored in 1975.

Truly small batch in winemaking style and volume, this is an incredibly limited-release Grenache of outstanding quality. Bottled unfined, locally, it is vegan-friendly.

Small-batch winemaking refers to the process of producing wine in limited quantities, typically on a smaller scale compared to larger wineries. It involves a more hands-on and artisanal approach, where attention to detail and quality are emphasized. 

The Artisans of Barossa are John Duval Wines, Spinifex Wines, Sons of Eden, Lienert Vineyards, Schwarz Wine Co., Hobbs of Barossa Ranges and Chaffey Bros. Wine Co.

Eight small winemakers brought together by a shared commitment to protect and promote the art of small-batch Barossa winemaking.

Vintage: 2023

Grape Variety: Grenache

Region: Ebenezer, Barossa Valley

Winemaker, all Artisans contributed ~600 litres, from which an evaluation was conducted by Corey Ryan (Sons of Eden), Peter Schell (Spinifex) and Fraser Mackenzie (Group GM, Artisans of Barossa), resulting in the final blend.