De Bortoli Woodfired Grenache 2022 is a Heathcote Grenache sourced from northern vineyards on ancient red Cambrian soils — the ideal foundation for dark-fruited, rich, soft Grenache. Winemaker Steve Webber keeps intervention minimal, allowing site and season to speak through every bottle. The result is a wine with genuine regional character: supple, fleshy and immediately engaging, with the kind of depth that rewards a few more years in the cellar.
Appearance
Intense medium red with a vivid purple edge, displaying the fresh, vibrant character typical of Heathcote Grenache from the northern Cambrian soil belt.
Nose
Ripe blueberry, liquorice and dark cherry lead the aromatic profile, with graphite complexity and a lift of violets adding elegance and depth. The bouquet is inviting and expressive, reflecting the richness of the ancient red soils and the careful vineyard selection that underpins the Woodfired range.
Palate
Supple and mouth-coating with fleshy weight and lovely extract. Juicy acidity keeps the palate lively and fresh, while the dark fruit characters — blueberry, dark cherry and a thread of red licorice — carry through to a balanced, calm finish with firm tannin structure. Light to medium-bodied with genuine drinkability and the structure to develop further with time.
Reviews
“Deep ruby, with aromas of blueberry, cherry and violet florals, and savoury notes of dark chocolate, vanilla bean and cedar. Light to medium-bodied with fleshy weight and juicy acidity, but finishing with overt grippy, astringent tannins.”
— The Real Review, January 2026
“Shows the lighter, cherry-infused style of grenache, highlighting the grape’s musky confection and fun side. Has drink-now appeal written all over it. Iridescent purple hues. Rose florals, musk, hints of garden herbs, red licorice, black pepper and a whole lot of juicy, just-cut red cherries jump and jive away on the palate, dancing to a vibrant acidity and firm tannin finish.”
— Halliday Wine Companion, December 2025
Winemaking
Destemmed and fermented at 25–30°C over 8–12 days. Pressed and matured in vats and casks for 7 months, with regular racking and aeration to soften the wine and integrate the tannins. Vineyards are carefully selected from the northern section of Heathcote for a balance of fruit weight and ripeness. Alcohol 14.2% • pH 3.35 • TA 5.9g/L. Vegan and vegetarian.
Cellaring
Lovely drinking now. Will age well and be even more complex and delicious over the next 2–4 years. Serve at 16–18°C.
