Though winemakers will argue that the terroir of where the grapes are grown creates distinct flavour and character of a certain wine, Penfolds begs to differ. The brand offers an alternative way to appreciate terroir through a blend of carefully-sourced grapes from different regions, known as "House Style".
The 178-year-old Australian winemaker has perfected the art of wine blending and has taken the practice beyond the southern hemisphere with the launch of its cross-country blends, namely the Californian and French Collections.
Penfolds has been sourcing grapes from the best vineyards in California with an ambition to create a range of wines unrestricted by border or continent. Ripe for wine enthusiasts who appreciate Napa Valley grapes, the Californian Collection features four wines identified by "bin" numbers, ranging from the Bin 600 Cabernet-Shiraz and Bin 704 Cabernet Sauvignon to Bin 149 Cabernet Sauvignon and the flagship Quantum Bin 98 Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Quantum Bin 98 and the Bin 149 have been labelled as "wine of the world", with the Quantum Bin 98 containing Australian Shiraz and the Bin 149 having an Australian cabernet blended in.
The Penfolds II Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2019, part of the new French Collection, bridges the gap between Old World and New World wines. Adding to the growing portfolio of Penfolds' projects outside Australia, this wine from the 2019 vintage is made in partnership with one of Bordeaux’s most respected winemaking houses, Dourthe Bordeaux.
Penfolds II represents two winemakers marrying traditional French and Australian winemaking techniques, ending with a 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12 % Merlot from Bordeaux, with the 29% Shiraz component from the Barossa Valley in South Australia.
The new collection is available at Italasia outlets. Visit penfolds.com.
