Today, I was privileged once again to moderate an inspiring webcast. The topic: “Old vines in Barossa and McLaren Vale”. For me, this is one of the most exciting chapters of the viticulture scene of both regions.
Vines that were planted by the first generations of settlers in Australia don’t fit into the pattern of the Old and New World. While phylloxera had destroyed most of the old vines in Europe, a unique genetic diversity has been preserved there.
Wines such as Schild’s Moorooroo are unique. The grapevines for this exceptional wine were planted in 1846 and are 174 years old. Just four rows have survived the ages and produce grapes for somewhat more than 2000 bottles. Judy Schild once told me that this wine only exists because of tractor damage – in the days of the Vine-Pulling-Scheme – which saved them from being uprooted.
How lucky: The 2008 Moorooroo Shiraz is something exceptional: ripe, dark, complex and concentrated. Aromas of dark berries, boysenberries, earth and dried plums. Smooth tannins and a superb savoury finish. Perfect for drinking now.
