2021 Wirra Wirra Grenache Farmer's Heart McLaren Vale Australia 750 ml

Sand and Grenache. Aside from Kimmeridgian marl and Chardonnay—or Cabernet Sauvignon and gravel—there is probably no greater affinity between soil and variety in the world of wine.

The paragon example, of course, is the mythical Château Rayas of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which sells for north of $1,400 these days. It’s made from ancient vines grown exclusively on pest-resistant sand that allows the vines to dig extremely deep.

The McLaren Vale, outside Adelaide, is also home to some extremely impressive sand dunes and ancient Grenache vines, and that’s where the Wirra Wirra Grenache Farmer's Heart comes from: 120-year-old and 80-year-old vines grown in sand from several plots across the region. The warm Mediterranean climate and perfect drainage of sand have given this wine classic aromas of black tea, freshly-shaved orange rind, ripe strawberries, red plums, fresh Maraschino cherry, and so much more. 

In 1894, a peculiar character and South Australian native, Robert Strangways Wigley, laid the foundation of Wirra Wirra Vineyards. The winery flourished in its early days, but eventually succumbed to neglect. It was not until 1969—under the careful supervision of the departed Greg Trott—that Wirra Wirra was resurrected. Trott was known for embracing daunting projects, and he found allure in the sheer scale and unlikelihood of this one.

Today, Wirra Wirra is renowned for its robust McLaren Vale red wines, and it has carved a remarkable name for itself: For over ten years it has held James Halliday’s red five-star rating, a testament to its unwavering excellence. Formerly Penfolds Senior Winemaker, Emma Wood’s philosophy is simply to let the fruit shine through—and it does in this gorgeous Grenache.