Description
The Kalleske family have been farming and growing grapes on the same property since 1853 near the village of Greenock. From seven generations of Barossa viticulturists, Troy and Tony Kallese have formed their eponymous wine brand. All the fruit is sourced from their certified organic and biodynamic, low yielding and sustainable vineyards. Kalleske wines are handcrafted using traditional winemaking techniques – small batches, open fermenters, wild yeast and basket pressing. With some of the vines more than 135 years old, Kalleske wines are pure expressions of the dry grown vineyards and the sub region of Greenock. Their wines have a true ‘sense of place’ allowing the vineyard sites to shine through.
“Kalleske … they emerged a few years ago as one of the most exciting of all the regions new wine producers. The wines are simply superb. Kalleske is a model for the future of the Barossa: there is a deep respect for the seven generations of history, but it is combined with a willingness to try new things; the wines display expectional quality and unique personality, across all price points; and the vineyards are farmed in a truly sustainable way.“ Max Allen, The Future Makers
Clarry’s is a blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro with old vine Grenache from the 1940s and 1960s. The wine is fermented in open-top fermenters and basket pressed. To preserve the superb fresh fruit flavours of the wine, it is only aged in very old oak hogsheads and only for a limited time of one year. Clarry’s is soft and fruit-driven with flavours of raspberry, perfume, clove and spice. It is mouthwatering with a muscular structure and great length.
Clarry’s is named in honour of Tony and Troy Kalleske’s, Grandfather, Clarence “Clarry” Kalleske, who farmed the Kalleske vineyards from the late 1920s until his retirement in the 1990s. Clarry was the fourth generation member to tend the vines on the Kalleske family farm, established by his great grandparents who migrated from Prussia to South Australia in 1838 aboard the Prince George. Many years were spent by Clarry pruning, handpicking and nurturing the Kalleske vineyards.
Quality from 2019 is stunning. It was a warm and extremely dry growing season with rainfall down significantly (39%), making it one of the driest years in the past century. Summer was 3 degrees warmer than average. Yields were impacted by the dry season, leading to smaller berries and bunches. Importantly quality is brilliant producing richly flavoured, intense wines.
The 2019 Clarry’s is a blend of Grenache (50%), Shiraz (44%) and Mataro (6%), with all grapes from the Kalleske’s organic farm. The Grenache is from low-yielding sandy soils from vines dating back to the 1940s, while the Shiraz and Mataro are sourced from a number of select blocks on the Kalleske estate with soil generally consisting of shallow, sandy loam over superb deep red clay and limestone, providing ideal conditions for these vines.
To preserve the superb fresh fruit flavours of the Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro, wines were only aged in very old oak hogsheads and only for a limited time of five months. On completion of maturation, components were blended for balanced flavour, texture and complexity.
Clarry’s 2019 GSM is bright purple-black in colour. The aromas are so lifted, enticing and engaging. It bursts with dark rose perfume, ripe cherries, licorice, sarsaparilla and musk. The juicy palate is loaded with dense flavours of vivid red and black fruits. It is full and richly flavoured, round and harmonious but with natural chalky tannins adding structure and backbone. Concise maturation in seasoned barrels has added complexity whilst preserving the fruit purity. This is a solid wine with adequate power but under control ensuring true balance. It is completed with a lengthy finish. Clarry’s is an approachable, fruit-driven and opulent GSM that is best enjoyed now or over the next five years.
91 points, Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front “One thing I like about Kalleske is a) the distinctive-but-not-over-the-top packaging and b) that the distinctive packaging extends to the $23 wines. It’s fresh. Of course it is. It’s red berried, clovey, spicy, floral, tipped with anise. It rushes flavour at you and then washes refreshingly through the finish. It’s positively unadorned; it’s made and presented exactly as you’d hope.”
RRP $27 OUR Price $21.99
(also available as HOT DOZEN BUY .. Only $19.50 .. click here)
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