Australian multi-regional blends
Fine wine is virtually synonymous with single vineyards, estates and individual regions. But not in Australia, whose winemakers are famously free of constraints. Take the iconic Penfolds multi-regional blend Grange. Creator Max Schubert attributed a visit to Bordeaux with sparking ‘the idea of producing an Australian red wine capable of staying alive for a minimum of 20 years’. During the plane journey home, Schubert reasoned: ‘If I was careful enough in the choice of area and vineyard… I’d be able to make the type and style of wine I wanted.’
His rationale still informs Penfolds’ approach today, no matter how improbable the logistics. Take Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay 2017 (below), made with grapes from three states –
