From: South Australia
Varietal: Grenache
Taste: On the nose, this wine is fragrant with delicate notes of cherry kirsch, wild strawberry, and subtle hints of spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and velvety, with a smooth and silky texture that is simply delicious. The fruit character is more red than black— imagine a wine that’s akin to the charm and flavors of a rich, well-made style of Russian River Pinot Noir with more concentration. The tannins are fine and well-structured, creating a long and pleasant finish that lingers on the palate.
Pairing: The 2020 Yalumba Barossa Bush Vine Grenache Samuel's Collection is a versatile wine that can be paired with a wide variety of dishes. Its lush fruit character and smooth texture make it a great match for many different cuisines, from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern to Asian and Latin American. Here are some pairing suggestions to help you get started:
Roasted chicken with garlic and rosemary: The Grenache's bright fruit flavors and silky texture will complement the richness of the roasted chicken, while the subtle spice notes will add complexity to the dish.
Baby Back Ribs! (or BBQ in general, check out the tamarind twist on this below): The wine's fine tannins will cut through the richness of BBQ, while those sumptuous fruit flavors will complement the smoky-sweet notes in the dish.
Spicy chickpea curry with basmati rice: The Grenache's subtle spice notes will complement the heat of the curry, while the fruit flavors will balance out the dish's savory flavors.
Grilled eggplant with tahini sauce: The wine's silky texture will pair beautifully with the creamy tahini sauce, while those opulent red fruit flavors will complement the smoky flavors of the grilled eggplant.
Spicy Tamarind Pork Ribs With Scallions and Peanuts
By Yewande Komolafe
“Grenache grown on sand is one of the wine world’s most identifiable—and sought-after—experiences.” David Lynch, Sommelier & Editorial Director, SommSelect
About. This gorgeous Grenache is a wine that truly embodies the unique character of the Barossa Valley's sandy soil. As noted by Somm Select’s Sommelier and Editorial Director David Lynch, Grenache grown on sand is a sought-after experience in the wine world, and this wine delivers on that promise with finesse, fragrance, and silkiness.
The Yalumba estate, with its rich history dating back to 1849, has crafted a remarkable homage to its founder, Samuel Smith, with the Samuel's Collection line of wines. This particular red is made from bush-trained vines with an average age of 70 years, showcasing the estate's oldest and most treasured “heritage” vineyards.
Made from 100% Grenache grapes, this wine is fermented with wild yeasts that arrive on the grapes in the winery. Most of the grapes are de-stemmed, but some are left intact to add spice and dimension. The resulting wine is matured for six months in older American, French, and Hungarian “hogshead” barrels, creating a nuanced and highly expressive flavor profile.
The fruit character of the wine is more red than black, with notes of cherry kirsch and wild strawberry, and a perfume and texture that is reminiscent of Pinot Noir. The tannins are incredibly fine and smooth, creating a silky finish that is a world away from the inky, black-fruited Barossa Shiraz for which the region is best known.
Overall, the 2020 Yalumba Barossa Bush Vine Grenache Samuel's Collection is a noteworthy achievement at this price point, delivering a unique and highly enjoyable wine experience that is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates.
