Glaetzer Wallace Shiraz Grenache 2017 (Barossa Valley)

The irrepressible Ben Glaetzer is the driving force behind Glaetzer Wines. Ben graduated in winemaking from Adelaide University in South Australia after working at Barossa Valley Estate during school and university holidays.

After travelling extensively throughout many of the worlds wine regions, Ben returned to the Barossa and joined the family company. Ben's ability to blend traditional winemaking techniques with a modern flair is reflected in the style of wines under the Glaetzer label. He makes unique, elegant wines with minimal intervention, which are regarded as classics and unmistakably Barossan.

Along with the numerous trophies and awards for his wines, Ben's winemaking honours include:

Qantas Young Winemaker of the Year, Robert M. Parker Jnr Wine Personality of the Year, New World Winemaker of the Year in Behind the Label (UK), "Baron of the Barossa" for his contribution to the cultural fabric of the Barossa Valley.

Glaetzer's 2017 Wallace takes on the traditional Barossa Valley blend of Shiraz and Grenache in a modern way (72% Shiraz / 28% Grenache). The Shiraz brings backbone, flesh and body to the wine with the Grenache adding a soft, vibrant juiciness. Wallace is an ancestral name of Colin's wife, Judith, whose family hail from Scotland. Judith's Celtic ancestry is reflected in the three elements of the Wallace symbol - the Celtic cross, thistle and the Celtic knot pattern.

Exceptional old vine fruit was sourced from the famed Ebenezer sub district at the northern tip of the Barossa Valley. Vine age 50—80 year old Shiraz and 50—100 year old Grenache. Yield 3.5 tonnes per hectare.

A wet winter and spring coupled with cooler than average spring temperatures resulted in slower yet balanced canopy development and healthy flowering and fruit set. A mild summer with regular rainfall events followed allowing the fruit to be in no rush to mature, perfect for consistent ripening. Harvest commenced a few weeks later than recent years. The 2017 wines are of excellent quality exhibiting purity and lift with firm tannins and exceptional length.

Old vine Barossa Grenache has a liveliness and structure that does not benefit from oak maturation—oak contact was thus minimised for the Grenache component to preserve the purity and animation of the fruit. The Shiraz was matured for 16 months in 2—3 year old oak hogshead barrels (80% French / 20% American). Winery Notes