Grenache, Be My Valentine
My Dearest Grenache, Grown in the Enchanting Sandy Soils of Blewitt Springs,
Our story began not by chance but by a fateful journey, guided by the serendipitous drop of a pin on a map, leading me to the verdant embrace where you flourish. Before this adventure, my affection for you was reserved solely for when you were all dressed up in the grandeur of an aged Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It was in a vineyard nestled away from the world's hustle, under the vast Australian sky, that I first encountered your seductive essence through the vision of Rob Mack—a winemaker who, like me, sees the soul within you.
Rob, greeting me with the warmth of an old friend, popped open the back of his truck to reveal his single-vineyard loves– each a revelation, proving my past reservations unwarranted. As we delved into your world, he shared his dream of showcasing your elegance, a stark contrast to the high-alcohol, overly candied profiles I have come to expect. Your allure was undeniable, a dance of perfumed complexity that whispered of meticulous care and profound understanding.
With each vineyard treated as a canvas, Rob's intuitive touch and innovative spirit revealed you in vibrant strokes, elevating the Grenache experience to sublime heights. In the embrace of McLaren Vale's warmth, you showed us a balance of power and finesse that defied convention, a testament to the unique love story between you and the sandy soils from which you spring.
As Rob shared his journey, it was as if the wine itself narrated the love story between you and the sandy soils of your nurturing ground. These soils, which I'd normally curse for invading every bodily crevice after a beach day, here played the role of matchmaker, stressing you just enough to deepen your roots and concentrate your flavors. Your aromatic bouquet, a harmony of red fruits and floral whispers, underlined by an earthy spice, became a sonnet to the complexity born of this unique terroir. This interaction, this courtship between sandy soils and vine, resulted in a wine that was not just tasted but felt—a wine of refined structure and silky finesse that seemed to echo the soft touch of a lover.
Our encounter, set amidst the very vines that nurture you, was a revelation of the innovation and passion that fuels your renaissance in McLaren Vale. It challenged my old-school views and invited me—and all wine lovers—to dive into the nuanced, exhilarating journey you offer.
So here's my Valentine's ode to you, Grenache, nurtured in those playful sandy soils that imbue you with such grace. You are not just a wine; you are a journey, a discovery, a love story written in the sand, shared with every glass. Here's to our future escapades and the unforgettable moments yet to come.
Happy Valentine’s Day, my beloved Grenache!
From your newest admirer,
D