Aussie wine makes history by being named the world’s best Grenache

The Ethereal One Fleurieu Grenache 2020 is available at Dan Murphy’s for $13 for My Dan’s members* (normally $14.99), and is made by winemaker Mark ‘Jamo’ Jamieson exclusively for Dan Murphy’s and BWS.

“Globally, Grenache is one of the most widely planted red grape varieties but it has not always been popular in Australia. In recent years, it has experienced a resurgence thanks to winemakers switching their focus towards lighter styles which are becoming increasingly sought-after worldwide. It is great to see Australia take the trophy for the first time this year,”  International Wine Challenge Co-chair Jamie Goode said.

This is the first time an Australian Grenache has been awarded the trophy in the wine competition’s 39-year-history. The Ethereal One Fleurieu Grenache 2020 wine was also awarded two other trophies in the IWC for best South Australian Grenache and Australian Red.

‘Jamo’ crafted the winning wine using grapes grown in South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, where the best Australian Grenache is considered to be grown due to the region’s warm climate and old vines. 

“I could barely believe the news when I heard about The Ethereal One being awarded the International Grenache Trophy. What an absolute honour to be acknowledged at the world’s most distinguished wine competition, I’m beyond stoked,” Jamo said. 

“Grenache is a wine that was for a long time overlooked and underestimated, but it is definitely having a moment with more and more Australians falling in love with this flavoursome wine. If you haven’t tried it yet, now is definitely the time,” he added. 

Dan Murphy’s parent company Endeavour Group said it has seen an increase in sales of Grenache in the last 12 months. 

“Even though Grenache is one of the world’s most planted grape varieties, and Australia has some of the oldest Grenache vines, we are seeing a modern renaissance of how Australian Grenache is being made, in particular in McLaren Vale. The quality of Australian Grenache at the moment is outstanding, so it’s no surprise that this wine variety keeps winning at wine shows in Australia and across the world,” said Endeavour Group Head of Fine Wine Andrew Shedden. 

Often called a ‘warm climate Pinot Noir’, Grenache is a fruit-forward medium-bodied wine. The Ethereal One Fleurieu Grenache shows red and blackberry aromas and fruit flavours balanced with integrated oak and smooth tannins on the finish.

In its 39th year, the International Wine Challenge is accepted as the world’s most rigorous, impartial and influential wine competition. The International Wine Challenge assesses every wine ‘blind’ and judges each for its faithfulness to style, region and vintage. Awards include medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze) and Commended awards. Trophies are awarded to the very best wines in each category. The International Wine Challenge is committed to helping consumers discover great wine, and the medals displayed on winning bottles offer a trusted guarantee of quality. 

Australia was awarded an impressive 54 Gold Medals in this year’s competition, coming second only to France.

The Ethereal One Fleurieu Grenache 2020 is available in Dan Murphy’s and BWS.

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Media release from IWC: https://www.internationalwinechallenge.com/filestore/pdf/IWC%202022/IWC%20Global%20Trophy%202022%20release.pdf