By John Rozentals.
Fred Howard: growing premium McLaren Vale grenache grapes for The Quiver.
I’m old enough to remember days when admitting to having read Mary McCarthy’s then-banned book The Group would raise an audible titter.
But these days the term also refers to an innovative grape-growing partnership and wine brand that harnesses the collective skills, quality and expertise of around 100 grape growers and their families.
This allows The Group to showcase some of high quality wines from some of Australia’s leading wine regions, including McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills.
The Group helps to maintain the initial goal of supporting the livelihood of the growers, and ensuring their vineyards thrive and grow.
As the daughter of a grape grower, The Group winemaker, Marnie Roberts, spent her early years amongst her family’s vines.
“The collective knowledge, passion and experience that’s passed down through generations of growers is really special,” she said.
“These growers are experts on the fruit they grow, and what grapes make the finest wines possible.”
WINE REVIEWS
The Shadow 2019 Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir ($34): Mike, Judy and their son James Press have been growing Pinot Noir in the Adelaide Hills for over 20 years. The wine delivers delicate and perfumed florals. Bright red fruit and cherry emerge from the palate in the sleek, elegant and graceful wine. Pair with salmon.
The Quiver 2019 McLaren Vale Grenache ($34): The grapes for this wine are grown on Dave and Jen Wright’s vineyard, which is managed by Jen’s son Fred Howard and his wife Sarah. Old vines and sandy soil provide a perfectly balanced grenache with cherry blossom aromas, fresh berry palate and a long smooth finish. Pair with a lamb ratatouille.
WINE OF THE WEEK
The Murder 2017 McLaren Vale Shiraz ($34): Brian and Valerie Cameron are third-generation McLaren Vale grape growers with 70 years of family knowledge. The benefits of the cooling breezes are evident in the wine. It is inky yet bright, with silky dark fruits and excellent length — bold, smooth and wonderfully balanced. Pair with a game meat such as venison.
