2021 d'Arenberg Sticks & Stones Tempranillo Blend, McLaren Vale

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me - the unusual and quirky names on d'Arenberg wines are unlikely to have ever harmed, or offended, anyone.

This is a 55/20/20/5 McLaren Vale blend of Tempranillo, Tinta Cão, Souzão [ed. Sezão] and Touriga Nacional with a strong nod to the red table wines of the Douro in northern Portugal.

From the cool 2021 vintage, the varieties were crushed, fermented separately in open fermenters that were foot trodden two thirds of the way through the fermentation, after which the wines were basket pressed into a combination of new and seasoned French oak barrels. The wines were racked only for blending, which took place after twelve months in oak, and the final blend bottled without fining or filtration.

About this producer

The 1912 established d'Arenberg remains a family business, with fourth-generation Chester Osborn crafting bold, characterful wine with winemaker Jack Walton that continuing the family legacy of pushing the boundaries of the region.

The estate vineyards are substantial, with the family owning or leasing roughly 200 hectares in McLaren Vale, in addition to sourcing grapes from contract growers in the Adelaide Hils and the Fleurieu. Their own vineyards are certified organic and biodynamic, making family one of the largest biodynamic farmers in Australia.

The range of wines on offer is notable, with the winery vinifying nearly forty varieties in most seasons. The work at the winery remains highly traditional and labour-intensive despite their large scale, with all white and red wines pressed with gentle basket presses, and the red ferments foot-trodden by cellar hands in the original open concrete fermenters. The red wines are bottled without fining or filtration.