Greenock Creek Cornerstone Grenache 2023: Barossa Valley’s Wild Elegance
High on the quartz-strewn slopes of Hopeless Hill—so named because only the hardiest vines dare survive—stands a 2-acre block that produces one of Barossa Valley’s most talked-about wines. From this rugged site emerges the Greenock Creek Cornerstone Grenache 2023, a testament to resilience, terroir, and winemaking finesse.
Join us on a journey through the apricot-orchard heritage, cool-night moderation, and single-vineyard dedication that shape this wine. You’ll uncover tasting notes of strawberries, raspberries, and white pepper, learn perfect food pairings, discover regional wine events, and get a step-by-step guide to buy wine online and have it wine delivered straight to your door.
History & Heritage
Originally planted in the early 1960s on a former apricot orchard, the Cornerstone block passed through generations until Greenock Creek Vineyard acquired it. The name honors both the soil’s fruit-orchard past and the vine’s deep roots. Joel Beer and his team revived the site with meticulous vineyard care, preserving old-vine Grenache that now yields grapes of astonishing concentration and character.
Climate & Terroir of Barossa Valley
Barossa Valley’s Mediterranean climate—hot, dry days and cool nights—provides ideal conditions for Grenache to ripen fully while retaining bright acidity. The Cornerstone block’s silty loam over flint and quartz offers exceptional drainage and a signature minerality. These soils stress the vines just enough to concentrate flavors, resulting in a wine that marries red-fruit vibrancy with a steely backbone.
Key Varietal: Old Vine Grenache
Grenache thrives on poor soils and generous sun, yielding wines of bright red berry, spice, and supple tannins. The 2023 Cornerstone Grenache, sourced from vines over 60 years old, showcases varietal purity: hand-picked fruit, whole-berry fermentations, and minimal intervention to let the grape’s natural elegance shine.
Winemaking Philosophy & Vineyard Practices
After a hand-harvest on March 10, the fruit is destemmed with whole berries intact for a slow, cool fermentation lasting 6–7 days—enhancing aromatic lift and varietal purity. The wine then matures for 10 months in seasoned French oak hogsheads, adding subtle spice without masking the vineyard’s mineral core. No fining or filtration ensures every nuance of Hopeless Hill is captured.
Tasting Profile & Structure
- Colour: Medium-ruby with garnet edges.
- Aromas: Fresh strawberries, red raspberries, white pepper, and a hint of violet.
- Palate: Juicy red plums and crunchy red currants, framed by flinty minerality and fine-grained tannins.
- Finish: Bright acidity and a long, textured finish with lingering spice and mineral notes.
Food Pairings & Serving Suggestions
This elegant yet robust Grenache complements:
- Charcuterie with prosciutto and mild salami
- Roast pork with herb-infused jus
- Moroccan lamb tagine with preserved lemon
- Soft cheeses like Époisses or Brie
Serve at 14–16 °C in a medium-bowled glass to capture its aromatic complexity.
Events & Festivals in Barossa Valley
Experience Cornerstone Grenache in person during the Barossa Vintage Festival (April 2026) or Barossa Open Cellar Doors (March & October). Greenock Creek hosts vertical tastings of past vintages, offering a rare portrait of how this old-vine Grenache evolves over time.
How to Buy Cornerstone Grenache Online
Securing your bottle is simple:
- Visit the product page: Greenock Creek Cornerstone Grenache 2023 .
- Select your quantity and click “Add to Cart.”
- Choose standard (3–7 days) or express (1–3 days) delivery.
- Complete secure SSL checkout and track your “wine delivered” notification until it arrives.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Greenock Creek’s Cornerstone Grenache 2023 is a triumph of terroir and tenacity—from Hopeless Hill’s quartz-laced soils to your glass. With its vibrant red fruits, flinty minerality, and polished tannins, it stands as one of Barossa Valley’s finest Grenaches. Ready to experience this premium Barossa Grenache? Buy Cornerstone Grenache 2023 online now at Wine Simple and enjoy effortless Australia-wide delivery.
