# Cirillo Estate 1850 Ancestor Vine Grenache (2016)

- **Producer:** Cirillo Estate Wines
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grenache
- **Region:** South Australia, Australia
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €55
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Aromas & flavours:** ripe fruit, red cherry, black cherry, black plum, cedar, cloves, chocolate, vanilla, leather, dried fruit, earth

## About this wine

The Cirillo Estate 1850 Ancestor Vine Grenache is a red wine from the Barossa Valley, South Australia, crafted from vines planted no later than 1850. These vines are considered among the oldest Grenache vines globally, yielding fruit with exceptional concentration. Cirillo Estate Wines is a family producer with a long winemaking history, and Marco Cirillo is committed to preserving these ancient vines. The wine originates from sandy soils in the Seigersdorf area of the Barossa Valley.

## Interesting facts

- Vines are over 170 years old.
- Yields are extremely low, concentrating flavor.
- Grown on sandy soils in the historic Seigersdorf area.
- Marco Cirillo personally manages the ancient vines.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and ripe tannins are well-suited to rich, protein-heavy dishes, where they can balance the fat and complement the savory flavors. The wine's inherent fruit notes can harmonize with sweet or savory accompaniments like fruit reductions or herbs.

## Wine making process

The Cirillo Estate 1850 Ancestor Vine Grenache is produced using traditional winemaking methods. Color is achieved through the maceration of grape skins with the juice during fermentation. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes aging in oak barrels, which contributes to its profile. The vinification process is managed to highlight the characteristics derived from the ancient Grenache vines.