Winery & Vintage Info
Winemaking Notes
A true reflection of provenance, this Grenache is named in honour of Inigo of Loyola who was co-founder of the Jesuit Order whose members built Sevenhill. The 2023 Inigo Grenache was handled gently in the winery with minimal working of the fermentation cap and a relatively cool fermentation. The wine is essentially unoaked, though approximately 10% spent 12 months in old French oak hogsheads, with the remainder in stainless steel. This gentle approach preserves the fresh cherry, blueberry and strawberry compote aromatics whilst allowing the delicate tannins to develop naturally. The fruit comes from very old Grenache vines—estimated planting 1920—that yield a modest crop of fruit for the Inigo Grenache. Nestled in a small valley in the Sevenhill vineyards to the west of the winery, these old warriors are renowned for producing full-flavoured fruit. Technical details: 14.0% alcohol, 5.1g/L acidity, pH 3.40, bottled November 2024.
Vintage Conditions
The 2023 vintage presented a prolonged winter that cascaded into a mild summer and autumn, all of which meant late flowering, late and slower ripening. It was a vintage which presented a few challenges, but also one in which patience and nerve were rewarded, especially those blocks that were lower yielding or more suited to a cooler year. The old Grenache vines, with their deep root systems and modest yields, were perfectly suited to these cooler conditions, producing fruit with exceptional aromatics and delicate structure. The extended ripening period allowed the development of the fresh cherry, blueberry and strawberry compote characters whilst maintaining the light, vibrant colour and subtle red pepper spice that define this wine. The cooler vintage conditions encouraged the formation of delicate tannins and preserved the juicy fruit core, resulting in a Grenache that is light yet generous with remarkable length and depth. This vintage showcases the resilience and quality of these 1920-planted vines, demonstrating that great terroir and patient winemaking can triumph over vintage challenges.
