De Bortoli has added a Heathcote Grenache to its Woodfired range of wines which already includes a Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sparkling Shiraz from the same region.
Chief Winemaker Steve Webber sourced the fruit from vineyards in the northern sections of Heathcote, with Woodfired celebrating the dense and complex big reds with ripe dark fruits, cedar-wood and balance that pair perfectly with any char-grilled foods.
Webber said: “There is a resurgence of woodfired oven cuisine and charcoal cooking in Australia and we are always looking for wines to match. The combination of the really warm climate and rich deep red soils in Heathcote really come through in the Woodfired wines that perfectly suit the charcoal and smoke flavours.”
The Woodfired range has been a big success for De Bortoli since launching in 2015 having won a range of trophies, medals and awards. In particular, the Shiraz has won 49 awards since its launch in 2015, with the Sparkling Shiraz being awarded 19 following its introduction in 2017 and Cabernet Sauvignon taking out 26 awards since 2018.
Tasting notes for the Grenache state, “Intense dark colour red with purple edge. Ripe blackberry and blueberry characters, cedar-wood and liquorice. Soft, rich, mouth coating, balanced tannin, hints of classic Cabernet and authentically Heathcote.”
Fourth generation winemaker, Kate Webber, said: “These wines are big, bold and go really well with charcoal flavours from the bbq. I really love it because it is soft, round and plush.”