One of Australia’s oldest wineries, Penfolds, has released an ultra-limited product combining the rich heritage of French wine tradition and the innovative spirit of Australian craft – Grange La Chapelle 2021.
Made with 50 per cent Grange from a collection of select South Australian vineyards (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Clare Valley), and 50 per cent La Chapelle France from the Hill of Hermitage, Rhône Valley France, this is the first time that Penfolds flagship Grange has been blended with another winemaker's product.
A long-standing friendship between La Chapelle chief winemaker, Caroline Frey, and Penfolds Grange chief winemaker, Peter Gago, resulted in a union that showcases what this varietal can achieve aromatically and structurally, across different geographies, soils and winemaking cultures.
“When things are real, all quickly becomes self-evident. This friendship created an idea, this idea became a trial, the trial became a wine. Who would have thought?” said Gago.
Grange La Chapelle 2021 combines the attributes of French Syrah and Australian Shiraz, expressions that share a common ancestry yet have evolved into distinctive styles from their respective terroirs.
“As the project progressed, I saw the elegance in Grange and the strength in La Chapelle. This blend offers a true taste of the shared history of Syrah and Shiraz and future possibilities,” said Frey.
A small allocation of Grange La Chapelle 2021 will be sold by Penfolds direct to consumer channel in Australia, for RRP $3500 in a 750ml bottle. Further information is available online at grangexlachapelle.com.
