Bethany First Village GSM 2023 (Barossa Valley)

The village of Bethany was the first settlement in the Barossa Valley in 1842. Predominately European immigrants arrived and began to build houses and till the soil. It was in 1852 that the first vines were planted on the Schrapel Family Vineyards in Bethany igniting a passion and tradition that continues on today, six generations later.

A decently wet 2022 ensured a later start to the growing season than average for vintage 2023 with minimal soil moisture pressure. Rainfall during the harvest period presented some challenges in the vineyard but the sloping windy nature of the majority of the Bethany sites ensured that with care and attention and significant disease events were avoided. Yields were average to above average and the balance and quality arising from such a balanced and extended growing period is exceptional. Whites retained lovely natural acid and exciting levels of aromatic intensity and concentration. The reds show exceptional colour, pristine bright fruit and lovely balanced acid and tannin structures.

Sourced from Estate and neighbouring vineyards in the village this is a globally popular blend with a very Bethany feel. Parcels were kept separate and whole berry fermented with a variety of skin contact times (7-14 days) and twice daily pump-overs according to stage of fermentation. A small amount of whole bunches were used to add further complexity and aromatic interest. Maturation was for 9 months in seasoned oak as well as stainless steel. The final blend was put together in Oct 2024 prior to bottling.