Region and Vineyards
The Barossa Valley in South Australia is one of the country’s most celebrated wine regions, renowned for its old-vine Grenache and Shiraz. The Grenache vines in this blend are predominantly bush-trained and over 80 years old, contributing to the wine’s intense concentration and complexity. The Mourvèdre (Mataro) comes from a small parcel of vines in the Eden Valley, while the Shiraz is trellis-trained, sourced from Charles Melton’s vineyards and trusted partner growers.
These vines are all dry-grown, meaning they rely solely on natural rainfall, a practice that results in low yields but exceptional fruit quality. The region’s continental climate, with warm days and cool nights, fosters the development of ripe, rich flavors while preserving acidity, essential for balance and structure.
Winemaking
The Nine Popes was crafted with a focus on preserving fragrance, texture, and complexity. After harvesting, the Grenache (51%), Shiraz (47%), and Mourvèdre (2%) underwent whole bunch fermentation combined with destemmed but uncrushed berries. This method enhances the wine’s aromatic intensity and silky texture.
Fermentation occurred at cool temperatures, with gentle cap management, including hand plunging, to extract fine tannins and vivid flavors. Following fermentation, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in a combination of old and new oak. It was aged for 18 months in oak before being transferred to new French oak for an additional 12 months, allowing the wine to gain complexity and structure. Natural settling and bottling preserved the purity of the wine.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep ruby with garnet hues.
- Aromas: A dense and layered bouquet of toasty flint, anise, licorice, and dark red fruits with subtle spice.
- Palate: Generous and finely structured, with sweet red fruit flavors interwoven with allspice, licorice, and savory undertones. The texture is silky, with balanced tannins and a long, complex finish.
Did you know?
The name Nine Popes is a playful nod to the Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines of the Rhône Valley, which inspired this Australian GSM blend. Charles Melton was one of the pioneers who championed the preservation of Barossa’s old-vine Grenache when others were removing them in favor of more fashionable varieties.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Lamb tagine with apricots and almonds: Complements the wine’s spicy and fruity notes.
- Duck confit with cherry sauce: The wine’s sweet red fruit character pairs beautifully with the rich, savory flavors of duck.
- Mushroom risotto with truffle oil: Enhances the wine’s earthy and savory undertones.
- Aged manchego cheese: Balances the wine’s richness and tannins with its nutty and sharp flavors.
