Willunga 100, McLaren Vale Grenache Blanc
Country: Australia Region: South Australia
Varietal: 100% Grenache Blanc Vintage: 2025
Colour: White Style: Dry
Producer: Willunga 100
Description:
Willunga 100 has focused on old-vine Grenache in McLaren Vale since its first vintage in 2005. They made their first single-vineyard wine in 2009 and have since helped pioneer a fresher, more lifted style that highlights the sensitivity of Grenache to site in the Blewitt
Springs and Clarendon sub-regions. Willunga 100 has sourced fruit since 2013 from two of the most fabled vineyards in McLaren Vale, Sue Trott’s 70-year-old site in Blewitt Springs and the other from Bernard and Wayne Smart’s century-old, one hectare vineyard in
Clarendon. In 2019, Willunga 100 purchased the 19-hectare Blind Spot vineyard in Blewitt Springs. The focus on single sites has brought critical success to Willunga 100. The 2021 ‘Smart’ won the Grenache trophy at Australia’s National Wine Show in 2023. This is the second time a Willunga Grenache has been honoured with a trophy at the show, as in 2017, the 2015 ‘Trott’ won Best Alternative Variety. National Wine Show success continued in 2024, with Willunga 100 winning two of the three gold medals awarded in the Grenache class for the 2022 McLaren Vale Grenache and 2022 ‘Trott’.
Fruit for the Grenache Blanc was sourced predominantly from one of Sue Trott’s vineyards that lies east of McLaren Flat on a slightly elevated site. The wine was fermented in stainless steel (70%) to retain freshness and used French puncheons (30%) to add texture. Aged on lees for four months before bottling to enhance this texture, the wine displays beautiful vibrancy and offers excellent value for money.
Tasting Note:
The nose is lifted and aromatic, showing fragrant herbs, spiced apple, and bright citrus notes. The palate is textural and expressive, with flavours of pineapple and pear layered with fresh herbal tones, a hint of almond and subtle exotic spice. A fine, fresh acidity drives the wine to a long, lingering finish.
Food Matches: Cheese platter, paella or a chicken tagine.
Closure: Screwcap ABV: 13%
