Pour a glass and join us as we dive into the world of "Legends of the Vine: Iconic Wineries of Australia." This series explores Australia's most historic and renowned wineries. Today, let's uncork Grant Burge, a foundational winery that has shaped the Australian wine industry for generations.
The Visionary Winemaker
Having deep roots in the Barossa Valley, the Burge family planted their first vines in the 1800s. They have nurtured a love for grape growing and winemaking for five generations. Meshach Burge, the eldest son, played a pivotal role in the family's history. He couldn't deny his passion for wine and winemaking despite trying to venture away from viticulture. In 1865, Meshach installed fermenting tanks in his shed, envisioning wines he could share with his loved ones. This spirit of generosity laid the foundation for the iconic Grant Burge brand.
A Bounty of Fruit
What sets Grant Burge Wines apart is its dedication to sourcing the finest fruit from various subregions. With 130 hectares of vineyards in the Barossa and collaborations with grape growers in the region, they create wines with distinct personalities. Whether it's the rich soils of the Barossa Valley or the rocky, acidic soils of the Eden Valley, Grant Burge Wines crafts a diverse range of ultra-premium wines that truly represent the terroir of the region.
Meet the Key Figures
The winery's success is a testament to exceptional winemaking and a symbol of unwavering commitment and perseverance. One individual who truly embodies this ethos is Craig Stansborough, a gifted and dedicated winemaker who has played a significant role in shaping the winery's trajectory. Starting as the Cellar Manager and rising to Senior Winemaker, Craig's unwavering dedication and insatiable curiosity have resulted in wines that consistently surpass expectations regarding quality and flavour.
Unveiling the Masterpieces
Recently receiving critical acclaim for its exceptional releases, let's take a closer look at some of the standout vintages:
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Nebu Cabernet-Shiraz: With its dark berry fruits and vigorous profile, the 2018 vintage earned an impressive 93 points, while the cooler 2017 vintage brought grace and finesse, earning a remarkable 96 points.
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Filsell Old Vine Shiraz: Densely concentrated with rich dark fruits and fine chocolatey tannins, the 2019 vintage earned an impressive 94 points. The slightly cooler 2018 vintage offers powerful black fruits and has excellent ageing potential.
- The Holy Trinity Grenache-Shiraz-Mourvèdre: This unique blend boasts plentiful ripe tannins and dark chocolate nuances, delivering a delightful al-dente finish. The 2019 vintage earned an outstanding 95 points, while the 2018 vintage showcased complexity, vitality, and thoughtfulness.
Grant Burge Wines has a distinctive style characterised by the richness of Barossa's fruit and soft tannins. While staying true to their heritage, their winemaking team continually evolves and explores new methods to craft wines that reflect the region's essence.
A couple of others to look out for are the rich and bold Meshach Shiraz, a tribute to the winery's founding father, the highly sought-after 5th Generation Shiraz, and the Abednego Shiraz Mourvèdre Grenache blend, which pays homage to the diverse terroir of the Barossa.
Impact on Australian Wine Culture
Grant Burge Wines has made a lasting impact on Australian wine culture by honouring the history and terroir of the Barossa region. Since its establishment in 1988, the winemaking team has embraced Barossa traditions while remaining innovative in its pursuit of excellence. The result is a collection of wines embodying the region's power and beauty.
Stay tuned for the next legendary winery that has made its mark on Aussie wine.
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