Kalleske Clarry’s GSM 2023

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.

About this wine from the winemaker: “Vintage 2023 has produced exceptional wines. It was the longest and latest on record, stretching from mid-March to early-May. The vines got off to a superb start with a wet and cool Spring providing plenty of sub-soil moisture for the growing season ahead. Summer brought typically average temperatures and was generally dry with occasional finite rain. The vines were in fantastic condition for slow and steady ripening into Autumn with its mild days, cool nights, and isolated light rain. Yields from 2023 are good and quality is excellent.

“The Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro blocks were harvested over a month from April 5th to May 4th. All varieties were fermented separately in open top fermenters with hand pump-overs twice a day during fermentation. After seven to fourteen days on skins the fermented grapes were traditionally pressed. 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 eight months. On completion of maturation, components were blended for balanced flavour, texture, and complexity.

“Clarry’s 2023 GSM is bright purple in colour. The aroma is equally bright with lifted notes of raspberry jubes, violets, red liquorice, strawberries and cream together with garden herbs and a hint of clove spice. The medium-bodied palate is very juicy. Vivid red fruits and black cherry throughout with even natural acid. Tannins are initially soft then reveal a lightly grippy structure perfectly balancing the juicy fruit. Seasoned barrel maturation gives a soft envelope to all components. It has a ravishing textural edge and is completed with a very lengthy finish. Clarry’s is an approachable, fruit-driven, and opulent GSM that is best enjoyed now or over the next five years.”

90 points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front “Kalleske Clarry’s is always pretty decent, for quality and value. It’s a grenache, shiraz and mataro blend out of the Barossa. It’s all about fruit with a peppercorn edge. It tastes of black cherries and asphalt, scorched plums and fresher, more raspberried, redder berries, and while there’s nothing creamy or overly soft about the wine, it feels polished. Indeed, it feels good in the mouth. The fruit tastes ripe and the balance is good. This is in a pretty good place.”

RRP $27  Our Special Buy $20.99 when you buy 12 of this wine