Producer Article
d'Arenberg
Last edited on 12/17/2007 by Brian1970
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The Wine Doctor.com says: The d’Arenberg Winery has its roots in 1912, when Joseph Osborn purchased Milton Vineyards in McLaren Vale. The business has remained in the family ever since, at first selling grapes to local wineries, but by 1928 they were vinifying the harvest themselves, following the construction of their own winery and cellars. It was the third generation, however, in the form of Francis d’Arenberg Osborn, who really made his mark on the world of wine. Under Francis’ leadership the business began to produce wines which consistently picked up awards and medals in both Australian and international wine shows. The fourth generation of the family, Chester d’Arenberg Osborn, is now chief winemaker, following in the footsteps of his father, who now fills the role of managing director.
The fourth generation of the family, Chester d’Arenberg Osborn, is now chief winemaker, following in the footsteps of his father, who now fills the role of managing director. The d’Arenberg wines are produced from the fruit of two McLaren Vale vineyards, although this is complimented by the purchase of a large amount of fruit from local growers. The d’Arenberg vineyards are either dry farmed or minimally drip irrigated, with cover crops and regular manuring to improve the health of the soil. The family claim to use only minimal amounts of chemical sprays. For the top wines, vineyard practices such as pruning and harvesting are mostly performed by hand, although mechanical methods are employed for the lesser wines. This commitment to quality continues into the winery, where there is rigorous selection, gentle basket pressing and fermentation in oak for some wines.
The top cuvée at d'Arenberg is undoubtedly The Dead Arm, a 100% Shiraz. Dead Arm is an old name for "Eutypa dieback", a vine disease caused by the fungus Eutypa lata. The fungal infection causes cankers around old pruning wounds, resulting in stunted growth in those shoots above the infected area. Eventually this part of the vine fails to produce any new growth, whereas the unaffected parts of the vine continue to grow and bear fruit. Hence the vine appears to have a "dead arm". This cuvée is followed closely by Coppermine Road, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and Ironstone Pressings, a blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre.
Then come a huge range of wines of which I will not list all. Notable bottlings, however, include the Laughing Magpie, a Côte-Rôtie inspired blend of Syrah and Viognier, and the Galvo Garage, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Excellent value can be found in the form of the Custodian Grenache, Twenty-Eight Road Mourvèdre, Footbolt Shiraz, Olive Grove Chardonnay, Noble Riesling and Vintage Fortified Shiraz. (19/2/02)
Contact details:
Address: PO Box 195, Osborn Road, McLaren Vale, South Australia 5171
Telephone: +61 (0) 8 8323 8206
Fax: +61 (0) 8 8323 8423
Internet: www.darenberg.com.au
The Wine Doctor.com says: The d’Arenberg Winery has its roots in 1912, when Joseph Osborn purchased Milton Vineyards in McLaren Vale. The business has remained in the family ever since, at first selling grapes to local wineries, but by 1928 they were vinifying the harvest themselves, following the construction of their own winery and cellars. It was the third generation, however, in the form of Francis d’Arenberg Osborn, who really made his mark on the world of wine. Under Francis’ leadership the business began to produce wines which consistently picked up awards and medals in both Australian and international wine shows. The fourth generation of the family, Chester d’Arenberg Osborn, is now chief winemaker, following in the footsteps of his father, who now fills the role of managing director.
The fourth generation of the family, Chester d’Arenberg Osborn, is now chief winemaker, following in the footsteps of his father, who now fills the role of managing director. The d’Arenberg wines are produced from the fruit of two McLaren Vale vineyards, although this is complimented by the purchase of a large amount of fruit from local growers. The d’Arenberg vineyards are either dry farmed or minimally drip irrigated, with cover crops and regular manuring to improve the health of the soil. The family claim to use only minimal amounts of chemical sprays. For the top wines, vineyard practices such as pruning and harvesting are mostly performed by hand, although mechanical methods are employed for the lesser wines. This commitment to quality continues into the winery, where there is rigorous selection, gentle basket pressing and fermentation in oak for some wines.
The top cuvée at d'Arenberg is undoubtedly The Dead Arm, a 100% Shiraz. Dead Arm is an old name for "Eutypa dieback", a vine disease caused by the fungus Eutypa lata. The fungal infection causes cankers around old pruning wounds, resulting in stunted growth in those shoots above the infected area. Eventually this part of the vine fails to produce any new growth, whereas the unaffected parts of the vine continue to grow and bear fruit. Hence the vine appears to have a "dead arm". This cuvée is followed closely by Coppermine Road, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and Ironstone Pressings, a blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre.
Then come a huge range of wines of which I will not list all. Notable bottlings, however, include the Laughing Magpie, a Côte-Rôtie inspired blend of Syrah and Viognier, and the Galvo Garage, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Excellent value can be found in the form of the Custodian Grenache, Twenty-Eight Road Mourvèdre, Footbolt Shiraz, Olive Grove Chardonnay, Noble Riesling and Vintage Fortified Shiraz. (19/2/02)
Contact details:
Address: PO Box 195, Osborn Road, McLaren Vale, South Australia 5171
Telephone: +61 (0) 8 8323 8206
Fax: +61 (0) 8 8323 8423
Internet: www.darenberg.com.au