Yangarra High Sands Grenache

McLaren Vale, Australia

Australia's benchmark Grenache — from pre-phylloxera Grenache vines (planted circa 1900s) on deep sand over limestone in McLaren Vale's Kangarilla sub-region. Biodynamic farming; wild fermentation; whole-bunch inclusion; aged in large format old French oak. Fresh red cherry, orange peel, dried rose, white pepper, and extraordinary delicacy. The sandy soils create a lightness and purity that challenges all assumptions about Australian Grenache. Australia's most elegant red wine. 96-98 points consistently.

Pairing intelligence

• main: High Sands' old vine Grenache bridges the roast duck and cherry; sandy Grenache for a McLaren Vale duck tradition
• main: Yangarra High Sands' Grenache concentration bridges the slow pork belly; a sandy McLaren Vale for an olive oil-rich preparation
• cheese: High Sands' prestige Grenache bridges the Manchego; a McLaren Vale Spanish variety for a Spanish sheep cheese pairing
• main: Yangarra High Sands Grenache's extraordinary delicacy and old-vine purity demands a dish that doesn't overwhelm — pork belly (lighter than beef) provides the fat to integrate the wine's silky tannins while apple mirrors the Grenache's red fruit character. Sage jus adds the herbal depth the wine's terroir mineral finish needs.
• main: High Sands' biodynamic Grenache bridges the ras el hanout lamb; a wine of old vines and ancient sands for a spiced lamb
• casual: High Sands' concentration bridges the dry-cured meats and Grenache jam; a prestige McLaren Vale for a premium Australian table
• casual: Yangarra High Sands' earthiness bridges the mushroom Gruyère tart; old vine Grenache for a rich earthy preparation