When you think of the greatest wine producing countries in the world, what springs to mind? France? Italy perhaps? While these European giants of the wine industry are renowned for their vast experience and depth of grape varieties, they are currently watching their backs as a young pretender to the thrown makes great strides in the world of vino. Australia is gradually gathering momentum as one of the worlds most respected producers and is building a repertoire of fine brands to challenge even the most established French Beaujolais. Henschke is an up and coming family of wines from the land down under really making a name for itself among critics, receiving sparkling reviews in the press.
Why the Germanic name you may ask. The Henschke family who founded the brand do indeed hail from northern Germany but migrated to Australia in 1841, fleeing religious persecution. Johann Christian Henschke purchased land in Keyneton in 1861, producing his first commercial vintage seven years later. The Henschke brand grew over the generations and now holds vineyards in both the Eden Valley and Adelaide Hills regions, producing a wide range of reds and whites, both sparkling and still.
Australia is of course famous for its Shiraz variety, made from dark-skinned grapes which are used primarily to make full-bodied red, varieties. Henschke is no exception to the rule and produces some stunning Shiraz varieties, one notable example is the Mount Edelstone Shiraz, this is a bold, sophisticated vintage presented in a sleek black bottle with silver print, guaranteed to wow your dinner guests. This would compliment a hearty red meat dish perfectly with its undertones of plum and blueberry, complemented by a subtle oak finish. Winter is on its way to, so now would be the perfect time to stock up on some gutsy reds such as the Mount Edelstone Shriraz to see you through those cosy evenings by the fireplace.
