Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2020

Region and Vineyards

Wrattonbully, nestled between Coonawarra and Padthaway in South Australia's Limestone Coast, is rapidly earning a reputation for producing finely structured red wines. The Crayères Vineyard, established by Xavier Bizot and Lucy Croser, sits atop a north-south limestone ridge and is named after the chalk cellars of Champagne, reminiscent of Xavier’s French roots. Below its Terra Rossa topsoil lies a network of natural limestone caves, providing exceptional drainage and moisture retention, ideal for viticulture in a relatively cool climate.

Planted in high density (4,444 vines/ha), the vineyard includes Cabernet Sauvignon (Reynella and CW44 clones) and Shiraz, along with Cabernet Franc. Low-trained fruiting wires at 50 cm above the ground promote better ripeness. The clay-rich soil ensures nutrient availability, while the limestone underneath supports deep root systems, contributing to the wine’s complexity and minerality. The 2020 vintage, though cool and dry, offered ideal slow-ripening conditions, enhancing fruit concentration and freshness.

Winemaking

The 2020 vintage marks the tenth release of this Cabernet-dominant blend and the third vintage to include Shiraz in the Crayères range. The Shiraz was hand-harvested on March 30th, while the Cabernet Sauvignon followed on April 6th and 7th. Fermentation took place in small stainless-steel tanks, with each parcel handled separately to preserve varietal purity and vineyard expression.

After fermentation, the wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, with a combination of new and older barrels to provide structure without overwhelming the fruit. The final blend comprises 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Shiraz, offering a harmonious balance between Cabernet’s linear tannins and dark fruit, and Shiraz’s spice and plushness. Bottled in March 2022, the wine remains unfined and unfiltered to preserve its integrity and potential for ageing.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet with a violet hue, showing excellent clarity and intensity.
• Aroma: Lifted aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and blackberry compote, layered with bay leaf, graphite, and sweet spice from subtle oak integration.
• Palate: Medium to full-bodied with bright acidity and robust but refined tannins. Flavours of black fruits, dark chocolate, and liquorice unfold across the palate, balanced by a savoury, earthy undertone and a long, persistent finish.

Did you know?

The Crayères Vineyard takes its name from the famous chalk cellars (crayères) in Champagne, reflecting Xavier Bizot’s French heritage. These underground limestone caves are echoed beneath the vineyard, contributing to water regulation and vine health—an unusual and prestigious terroir feature for South Australia.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled lamb with rosemary and garlic: The herbal notes and umami depth highlight the Cabernet’s savoury character.
• Beef Wellington: Rich textures and earthy mushroom flavours complement the wine’s structure and spice.
• Aged cheddar or Comté cheese: The wine's tannins and acidity cut through the richness while enhancing nutty, umami notes.
• Venison with juniper berry sauce: The gaminess of the meat pairs beautifully with the dark fruit and spice from the Shiraz.

History of Terre à Terre

The story of Terre à Terre begins with the union of two illustrious wine legacies: Champagne and Australian fine wine. Xavier Bizot, son of Christian Bizot, the former chairman of Champagne Bollinger, brought with him a profound understanding of vineyard expression and traditional French craftsmanship. Lucy Croser is the daughter of Brian Croser, a pioneer of modern Australian winemaking and founder of Petaluma.

Together, Xavier and Lucy established Terre à Terre in 2004, planting their first vines in Wrattonbully, a rising star within South Australia’s Limestone Coast. From the beginning, their vision was clear: to create wines that honour the precision of Old World viticulture while showcasing the potential of Australian terroirs.

In 2005, they expanded their operation with Clos Terre à Terre, a small vineyard in the Piccadilly Valley within the Adelaide Hills, dedicated to Chardonnay. They later built their own winery at the historic Tiers Vineyard, further cementing their commitment to small-batch, high-quality winemaking. Today, the estate is fully independent, controlling every step from vine to bottle, including export and distribution through their company, Terroir Selections.

Region and Vineyards

Terre à Terre operates two key vineyard sites: Crayères Vineyard in Wrattonbully and Clos Terre à Terre in Piccadilly Valley.

The Crayères Vineyard, named after the chalk cellars of Champagne, is situated atop a limestone ridge and underlain by natural caves. Its Terra Rossa topsoil over porous limestone provides excellent drainage and moisture retention. Planted at high density (4,444 vines/ha), the site is home to Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Cabernet Franc, with vines trained low to benefit from ground heat in the cool Wrattonbully climate.

In contrast, Clos Terre à Terre, perched at 500 meters in the Adelaide Hills, produces elegant Chardonnay. The site's cool temperatures and high humidity allow for extended ripening and a pure expression of fruit and minerality.

Both vineyards are sustainably farmed and managed with precision, drawing on both French and Australian viticultural practices.

Wine Range of Terre à Terre

Terre à Terre’s portfolio is compact yet diverse, focusing on site-specific, age-worthy wines. Their flagship releases include:

• Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz – A structured, fruit-driven blend inspired by the great Australian tradition, with a French sensibility.
• Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Franc – A varietal expression rarely seen in Australia, showcasing herbal finesse and fine tannins.
• Down to Earth Sauvignon Blanc – An expressive white wine crafted with texture in mind, often partially barrel-fermented.
• Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay (Clos Terre à Terre) – A refined Chardonnay grown at altitude in Piccadilly, marked by tension, citrus precision, and subtle oak.

Limited production and a meticulous approach to winemaking ensure that each wine reflects both terroir and vintage character.

Did you know?

Xavier Bizot and Lucy Croser were among the first to recognise Wrattonbully’s potential for premium Cabernet Sauvignon. The Crayères Vineyard is one of the few in the region planted at such high vine density, mimicking the Bordeaux model to enhance canopy management and fruit concentration.