Swan Valley Grenache 2023

Tasting Notes 🍇

• Colour: Bright red garnet with youthful vibrancy.
• Aromatics: A captivating medley of cherry cola, salted caramel, strawberries & cream, with hints of peppered aniseed.
• Palate: Medium-bodied and silky, featuring lush cherry jubes & ripe raspberry, framed by soft, fine tannins and a lingering, elegant finish.

Winemaker’s Note

“An elegant, fruit-driven Grenache with a seamless balance of vibrancy and depth—showcasing the very best of old-vine Swan Valley fruit.”

Viticulture & Winemaking

• Region: Swan Valley, WA
• Variety: 100% Grenache
• Vine Age: 50 years
• Fermentation:
  • Hand-harvested & gently destemmed to preserve fruit purity.
  • Fermented in small-batch open fermenters for maximum expression.
• Aging:
  • Matured in seasoned French oak to enhance texture without overpowering fruit.
• Alcohol: 13.9% | pH: 3.55 | T/A: 5.6g/L

Sustainability & Natural Practices 🌱

• Minimal Intervention – Allowing the fruit to shine with pure expression.
• Sustainably Farmed – Supporting long-term vineyard health & biodiversity.
• Vegan-Friendly – No animal-derived fining agents used.

Storage & Serving Tips ❄️

• Serving Temperature: 14–16°C to highlight freshness & aromatics.
• Decanting: 20–30 minutes enhances the perfume & texture.
• Cellaring Potential: Enjoy now or cellar for 5–7 years to develop further complexity.

Food Pairing Suggestions 🍽️

• Grilled Lamb Chops – The wine’s bright fruit lifts the savoury richness of the lamb.
• Charcuterie & Aged Cheeses – Complements the saltiness & complexity of cured meats & hard cheeses.
• Roasted Vegetables & Mediterranean Dishes – Enhances the wine’s earthiness.

FAQ Wine Terms 🧐

❓ What makes old-vine Grenache special?
Older vines produce lower yields but more concentrated fruit, resulting in wines with deeper complexity and refined structure.

❓ Why does Grenache pair so well with food?
Its medium body, silky tannins, and bright acidity make it incredibly versatile, pairing with both rich meats and lighter vegetarian dishes.

❓ How does Swan Valley Grenache differ from other regions?
Swan Valley’s warm climate creates a ripe, fruit-forward style with silky tannins and vibrant aromatics, making it a joy to drink young while still offering cellaring potential.

A stunning expression of old-vine Grenache, offering silky elegance, layered fruit, and incredible versatility—perfect for any occasion. 🍷✨

Learn About Borrello Wines

Borrello Vineyards is located in Margaret River, with an aspiration to produce natural, low intervention wines with a focus on quality over quantity, ensuring all wines meet our incredibly high standards.

The South West is ideal for producing grapes of the highest quality, with some of the most ancient exposed land in Australia. The Borrello team’s knowledge of how certain vines perform in different vineyards, allow them to keep track of the best grapes as the season progresses. We then select our favourite parcels from our vineyards right before harvest. This gives our Head Winemaker, Paul Atwood, access to the highest quality grapes to ensure on the best goes into our wine.

If there is a Borrello wine you like and we don’t stock, no stress, we can order it in for you. email us at info@partnersinwine.com.au

Swan Valley Wine Region

Historical Roots:

The roots of winemaking in the Swan Valley trace back to the early 19th century when European settlers recognised the region’s potential for viticulture. The Mediterranean climate, characterised by warm, dry summers and mild winters, provided an ideal environment for cultivating grapes. Italian and Croatian immigrants, in particular, played a pivotal role in establishing the first vineyards and wineries, introducing their traditional winemaking techniques to the fertile soils of the Swan Valley. The first vines were planted in 1829, making the Swan Valley Australia’s second oldest wine growing region. For the next 150 years, it was WA’s only wine region. And it is still the only wine region in the world, within a 25-minute drive of a major capital city.

Soil and Climate:

The Swan Valley’s terroir is shaped by its unique combination of soils and climate. The soil is predominantly sandy loam, providing excellent drainage for the vines. The warm climate, moderated by the nearby Indian Ocean, creates an optimal grape-growing environment. These factors contribute to the distinct characteristics of Swan Valley wines, marked by bold flavours and a vibrant acidity. Winter generally receives 550-700mm of rain per annum, with the majority falling from June to September. Climate pattens found on the East Coast like El Nino and La Nina have little influence on the region. Instead, winter and spring rain is effected by another climate driver called ‘SAM’ or Southern Annual Mode. Put simply this is the Low Pressure systems that hug Antarctica get pushed further North increasing rain to Southern parts of Western Australia.

You can learn more about this climate driver here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/sam/

Changes Over the Last 50 Years:

The past century has witnessed significant changes in the Swan Valley’s winemaking landscape. Technological advancements, changes in viticultural practices, and evolving consumer preferences have influenced the types of grapes grown and the styles of wine produced. The shift towards sustainable and organic practices is also evident, reflecting a commitment to preserving the region’s natural beauty.

Current Trends and Future Directions:

In recent years, Swan Valley wineries have embraced innovation while honouring traditional winemaking techniques. Boutique wineries, in particular, are gaining popularity, offering visitors a more intimate and personalised tasting experience. The region is also witnessing a surge in the production of alternative varieties, catering to a diverse range of palates. As the global wine industry evolves, Swan Valley remains at the forefront of quality and innovation

You can read the latest Swan Valley wine reviews HERE

Discovering Grenache in the Swan Valley

Grenache, renowned for its versatility and rich flavour profile, has truly flourished in the Swan Valley of Western Australia. In this exploration, we will uncover the origins of Grenache, its journey to Western Australia, the ideal climate for its cultivation, the delightful aromas and flavours it presents, and the perfect serving temperature to fully appreciate its potential.

Origins: A Global Grape’s Journey to WA

Grenache, thought to have originated in Spain’s Aragon region, has travelled across continents to find its ideal home in Western Australia. With a history that spans centuries, this grape variety has made its mark not only in Spain but also in France and other prominent wine regions worldwide.

Grenache in Western Australia: A Historical Sip

The story of Grenache in Western Australia dates back to the early European settlers who aimed to replicate the success of Old World wines in the Swan Valley’s fertile soils. Its adaptability to various climates made Grenache an attractive choice for winemakers eager to explore new possibilities. While it thrives in the Swan Valley, wineries like Swinney in the Frankland River region are also producing remarkable expressions of this grape.

Ideal Climate: Flourishing Under WA Skies

Known as Garnacha in Spain, Grenache flourishes in warm, dry climates—making the Swan Valley an ideal locale for its cultivation. With a Mediterranean climate characterised by hot, dry summers and mild winters, the region mirrors the conditions that Grenache grapes thrive in. Abundant sunshine promotes optimal ripening, resulting in wines that are rich in depth and complexity.

Aromas and Flavours: Unveiling the Complexity

Grenache wines from the Swan Valley are celebrated for their intricate aromas and flavours. The nose often features a bouquet of red berries like strawberries and raspberries, complemented by subtle hints of spice and earthiness. On the palate, these wines reveal a delightful balance of fruity sweetness, gentle tannins, and a touch of peppery spice. The unique terroir of the Swan Valley contributes to the distinctiveness of Grenache wines, making them stand out in any collection.