The Kennedy is a blend of old vine Barossa Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre. It’s named in honour of the legendary Barossa vignerons who were instrumental in planting these old precious vineyards.
"The Sons of Eden range is in remarkable shape."
- Campbell Mattison
The Grenache sourced from 50-year-old vines dominates the blend, giving the wine some ‘soul.’ and all varieties are fermented separately at very warm temperatures for optimal extraction of colour, tannins and flavour. The Kennedy is matured in seasoned French hogsheads and puncheons for up to 16 months.
Colonel William Light, the South Australian colony’s Surveyor-General, named the Barossa in 1837 after the site of an English victory over the French in the Spanish Peninsular War. In the mid-1800’s Silesian and English immigrants settled in the area. The Barossa itself comprises two distinct sub-regions: Eden Valley and the warmer Barossa Valley floor at 270m.The Barossa Valley enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate characterised by hot dry summers and relatively low rainfall. Cool sea breezes from the Gulf of St Vincent modify the temperature, however hot northerly winds can occasionally dominate creating considerable vine stress. Many older established vineyards are dry-grown, but supplementary irrigation is also extensively used. The valley is comprised of rich brown soils and alluvial sands. A long history of uninterrupted viticulture in the area means the Barossa valley is home to Australia’s largest concentration of old-vine Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre with many over 100 years old. Although most famous for Shiraz, the Barossa can also produce fragrant and deliciously fruity Grenache blends and beautifully rich, chocolatey Cabernet Sauvignons.
