2022 MMAD Grenache

WINEMAKER: Adam Wadewitz
REGION: McLaren Vale, SA
VARIETY: Grenache
VITICULTURE: Sustainable

The vintage was cool and late, with low yields, and the perfect finish to the season as temperatures warmed up toward harvest. This wine has rich red cherry and raspberry fruit, with some opulence on the front palate. Then the grainy, firm tannins come to the fore and form the backbone of the astonishingly long palate. There’s an energy and density that showcases what Grenache from old vines can do in Blewitt Springs. About 15% whole bunches, and fermented in wood and stainless steel before malolactic fermentation and maturation in concrete and large old French oak barrels.

MMAD Vineyard is a partnership of Martin Shaw, Michael Hill Smith MW, Adam Wadewitz, and David LeMire MW. • 100% single vineyard wines from the MMAD Vineyard, perfectly located in the dress circle of Blewitt Springs. • The vineyard has some of the oldest plantings in Blewitt Springs, with grenache planted in 1939, shiraz in 1941, and chenin blanc in 1964. • Blewitt Springs combines sandy soil, which enhances aromatics, and cool sea breezes that maintain freshness. MMAD Vineyard also has a layer of ironstone pebbles beneath the sand, which contributes to the wines’ structure and complexity. • The 2022 Chenin Blanc recently won best white wine at the 2023 McLaren Vale wine show, with MMAD Vineyard taking out best small producer.