Powell & Son Brennecke Seppeltsfield Barossa Valley Grenache
Powell & Son (first vintage 2014) is the venture of Barossa Valley legend Dave Powell and his son Callum. This Grenache comes from organically-grown vines that date back to the early 1900s on a site in the north-western corner of the Seppeltsfield sub-district of the Barossa Valley. The Brennecke vineyard’s dry-grown, untrellised bush vines are anchored in heavy red clay over limestone subsoils. These factors translate to excellent palate structure and a firm tannin backbone in the finished wine.
The wine is multi-layered with complex flavours red fruits, cedar, spices, hints of vanilla and cinnamon. The palate typically shows a sleek tannin profile supporting a red-fruited core of cherry and cranberry. Maturation in 100% new French oak barriques also makes a contribution. This is a powerful Grenache style with an opulent feel, ripe, fruit-sweet spice and a long finish. It is concentrated but typically has an appealing underlying freshness.
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.
