No products in the cart.
Latest Australian Wines
Grand Wines Worthy of an Earl: Irvine Estate Merlot, Shiraz & Chardonnay
15
Sep
Sep
Inspired by Irvine Wines’ Old Vines, We Ask How ‘Old’ Are Old Vines & How Does Vineyard Age Affect Wine Taste?
Is There a Difference to Wines Made from Old Vines?
Does Vine Age Affect Wine Taste or Quality?
Yes, vine age affects taste, complexity, depth of flavour, minerality, subtle nuances and characteristics of the final bottled wine. Young vines generally produce fruit-forward, explosive and bursting wines while older vines offer greater minerality, savoury and earth notes and greater complexity(*1). Blending fruits from both young and old vines is where the winemaker’s skills in balancing the characteristics from each harvest shine – and which leads to the level of quality of the wine.
What Happens to Taste Over the Lifespan of a Grape Vine?
As the plant ages and adapts to the earth, it mineralises the mother rock in the soil deep below the surface(*1). As it does this, it creates a unique difference in the final taste and aromas of the wine when compared to younger vines. Older vines produce fruits with greater minerality. According to French winemaker, Emmanuel Guillot, older vines best showcase the expression of the terroir(*1).
It takes about four to five years for vines to start producing grapes. They produce fruit abundantly from about five to 20 years. After 20 years, the yield decreases annually for another 20 years(*2). Around the age of 10, vines begin to showcase their best and most authentic characteristics.
Old vines have deep roots that have adapted to the soil and extended into the various layers beneath the surface(*2). Fruits from old vines have lower water and sugar content but higher nutrients, aromas, and concentration, resulting in more intricate, profound, and refined wines(*2). The tannins are milder, and while the flavours may be less pronounced initially, they are usually more intricate, with spicier, savoury, herbal, earthy, and mineral notes being more prominent(*2).
Old Australian Vines (150 Years Old and Counting)
One may wonder if Australia has many old vines but it turns out that planting grape vines was one of the earliest activities of settlers coming from Europe and the Americas. In fact, some of Australia’s grapevines are 150+ years old!(*3)
If you like more concentrated, complex, layered wines that express depth with various subtle nuances, look for those that have been made from old vines. Irvine Wines in the Barossa Valley right here in Australia offer a grand selection of wines made with fruits from old vines, some of which are the oldest in the world. Their oldest date back to plantings in 1867!(*4)
‘The Earl’ from Irvine Wines
Sophisticated and Vibrant Sparkling Shiraz
• Aroma: First on the nose are dark cherries and fresh boysenberries. These are backed by cocoa, cloves and a range of spices including anise, ginger and a hint of mace(*5).
• Palate: 18 months of oak barrel ageing contribute to the depth of layers of luscious fruits, spices across the mid-palate, bitter chocolate and dark plum(*5).
• Finish: The bead is fine and persistent. A lovely sparkling shiraz to open for a celebration!(*5).
Price: Get in touch to order.
‘Altitude’ Chardonnay from Irvine Wines
Expressive, High Altitude Eden Valley Chardonnay
• Aroma: Inviting and mouthwatering toasted brioche, peaches and a hint of smoke, chalk and minerality(*6).
• Palate: Expressive layers of the peach fruit and toasted brioche are followed by preserved lemon and smooth minerality(*6).
• Finish: The palate is lengthened by a pleasant level of acidity. It is a well-structured and elegant finish(*6).
‘The Estate’ Merlot from Irvine Wines
A Testament to Slowly Ripened, Old Vine Wines
• Aroma: Fresh black fruits are followed by hints of mocha and violet(*7).
• Palate: Complex and refined plum and blackberry layers with delightful hints of cocoa(*7).
• Finish: Soft tannins make for a graceful finish(*7).
Price: From $22 to $29 per bottle.
Where and How to Buy Irvine Wines
A variety of Irvine Wines are available to buy as single bottles or as a part of a multi-buy with all of your favourite wines on the Summer Hill Wine Shop website.
Have your wines delivered to your door or buy and collect them in our store located at 7 Lackey Street, Summer Hill NSW 2130.
Need inspiration or have questions? Give our friendly team a call on 02 9798 7282.
References
*1. Ask a Winemaker. How Does Vine Age Affect Wine Quality? YouTube video. 2015.
*2. Bonner Private Wines. Old Vines Vs. Young Vines: Why the Age of a Vineyard Matters to Wine? YouTube video. 2023.
*3. Wine Australia. Australia’s Old Vines: Facilitator Guide. n.d.
*4. Irvine Wines. Our Six Barossa Vineyards. 2024.
*5. Irvine Wines. The Earl Sparkling Red. 2024.
*6. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2022 Irvine Altitude Chardonnay Eden Valley. 2024.
*7. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2020 Irvine The Estate Merlot Eden Valley. 2024.
