Winery & Vintage Info
Greenock Shiraz is a single vineyard wine produced from low yielding Shiraz vines on the Kalleske estate at Greenock, in the North-Western Barossa Valley. Cuttings for these vines originate from a vineyard planted on the property in the late 1800s. Today, sixth and seventh generation family members meticulously tend the vines. Traditional winemaking and maturation in American and French oak hogsheads has ensured a complex, full-bodied Shiraz which will reward long term cellaring. Greenock Shiraz is a true family estate wine - grown, vintaged and matured on the Kalleske estate.
Quality from 2019 is stunning. It was a warm and extremely dry growing season with rainfall down significantly (39%), making it one of the driest years in the past century. Summer was 3 degrees warmer than average. Yields were impacted by the dry season, leading to smaller berries and bunches. Importantly quality is brilliant producing richly flavoured, intense wines.
Vintage 2020 has delivered wines of amazing quality. However, quantity is very limited, with it being one of the lowest grape yields ever in the Barossa at around 50% of average. Yields were dire due to a combination of early mild frost conditions, then a notably windy period (45% windier) around flowering leading to poor set (not many berries) followed by some hot days in November and an overall dry growing season (34% down). Notably, quality is of the highest echelon with rich colours and intense robust flavours.
Kalleske Greenock Shiraz is sourced from a single vineyard, located on the Western edge of the Greenock Creek in the Northern Barossa Valley. The vineyard consists of shallow, sandy loam soil over superb deep red clay and limestone, providing ideal conditions for Shiraz vines.
The single vineyard "Greenock" block of grapes was harvested on March 17th. After picking, the grapes were destemmed into open top fermenters. They were fermented warm with hand pump-overs twice a day for 13 days on skins prior to pressing. After pressing off skins the wine was filled to a mix of 35% new and the balance used American and French oak hogsheads. The wine completed primary fermentation and underwent natural malolactic fermentation in barrel. The wine was matured in barrel for fourteen months prior to bottling.
Kalleske wines are certified organic and biodynamic, estate grown and vinified with traditional minimalist winemaking techniques used to fully capture the essence of the vineyard allowing genuine handmade estate wines to be produced. No additives or fining agents are used in the winemaking process ensuring all wines are vegan friendly. Winery Notes
