Grenache The Marl 2016 – Hentley Farm

The Grenache The Marl Hentley Farm grapes were sourced from a single vineyard in our favourite northwestern section of the Barossa Valley. The grapes were harvested early to provide bright aromatics and a soft, succulent palate. Minimal intervention winemaking allows the fruit to speak for itself. The wine was bottled early to capture its vibrancy. In our favourite northwestern section of the Barossa Valley, the red clay loam over marl (a friable soil deposit consisting of clay & limestone) produces the perfect balance between vine stress and availability of nutrients. This combined with the consistent climatic conditions produces red wines of the highest quality. Bought by Keith and Alison Hentschke in 1997, Hentley Farm is located on the rich red soils of the Seppeltsfield/ Marananga area in the North Western section of Barossa Valley. At the time of acquisition, Hentey Farm were derelict and unsalvageable, which led to extensive planting in 1999, with a focus on minimising variation within each block and maximising variation between blocks. As a single-block, single-vineyard winery, Hentley Farm focuses on producing wines which highlight microclimates within the estate, basket pressing the red wines to compliment the softness of fruit. The first wines weren’t released from the property until 2002, thereafter the estate was extended with the purchase of the neighbouring Clos Otto block in 2004. The 100 acres of fruit bearing vines are planted over a diverse landscape, offering unique flavour profiles, textures and complexities. Blocks range from low-lying creek level, approximately 200m above sea level, to 300+ metres above sea level. Within the estate, there are also numerous soil profiles, clones – anging from ancient to modern, various vine structures and directional plantings, which also play a vital role in capturing a “sense of place” through the wines themselves. Specialising in rich, elegant, Barossa Shiraz, Hentley Farm also produces other varietals – including Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Viognier – and blends of all of these varieties. More than 20 small-batch wines are now made from the single estate each year. With such a key focus being on the vineyard, ensuring that both agricultural and environmental practices are sustainable is a key element of what Hentley Farm does. Winemaker Andrew Quin chooses not to fine or filter the premium wines because he feels that the resulting loss in phenolic compounds detracts from a true expression of site. But above all else, Hentley Farm and Andrew consider themselves “winegrowers”, with all winemaking accentuating characteristics of the vineyard from vine to bottle.