Penfolds is one of the oldest and most respected wineries in Australia. Founded in 1844, the winery has a long history of producing high-quality wines using traditional methods. The results are wines that are well-balanced and complex, with a deep flavour that lingers on the palate.
Penfolds Wine also takes a unique approach to ageing its wines, using a combination of new and old oak barrels to create a distinctive flavour profile. This careful attention to detail results in wines that are truly exceptional, and it’s no wonder that Penfolds is regarded as one of the best wineries in the world. If you’re looking for a wine that is sure to impress, then look no further than Penfolds.
From Humble Beginnings
Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold and his wife Mary arrived in South Australia from England in 1844, with the hope of setting up a successful wine business. The first vineyard they planted, known as the Grange Vineyard, was named after their new homestead ‘The Grange’.
Although the business was not an immediate success, the couple persevered and eventually developed a wine that was favoured by Queen Victoria herself. The Penfolds’ Grange Vineyard continued to produce high-quality wines for many years, and today it is regarded as one of the finest wineries in Australia. Visitors to the vineyard can learn about its fascinating history and sample some of its renowned wines.
The couple initially made port and sherry, which were prescribed as tonics for anaemic patients. The business soon began to flourish, and by the 1860s the Penfolds were producing clarets and Rieslings.
Today, the company is best known for its flagship wine, Grange, which is widely regarded as one of the finest wines in the world. Penfolds continues to produce exceptional wines that reflect the brand’s proud history.
In the early 1900s, the company made the decision to expand into the UK market. This was a risky move at the time, as many British consumers were unfamiliar with Australian wine. However, Penfolds took a gamble and it paid off.
Thanks to its high-quality wines and aggressive marketing campaign, the brand quickly became one of the most popular Australian wines in the UK. Today, Penfolds is still going strong in both the UK and Australia, and its wines are enjoyed by consumers all over the world.
The Birth of the Iconic Penfolds Grange
The story of the Grange begins in the late 1940s, when winemaker Max Schubert was tasked with creating a new red wine for Penfolds. Schubert used a number of different grape varieties in his blend, including Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The resulting wine was unlike anything that had been produced in Australia before, and it quickly gained a reputation for being exceptional. In the early 1950s, Schubert began producing the Grange on a larger scale, and it soon became one of the most popular wines in the country.
Grange or Bin 95 is considered one of the best and most expensive wines in the world. A record price was achieved at auction for a bottle of this 1951 vintage in 2004, when it sold for AU$ 52,211. Even higher prices have been achieved in recent years, with a bottle of the same vintage selling for a world record price of AU$142,131 in 2021.
Today, the Grange is still made using the same blend of grapes that Schubert originally used, and it remains one of the most sought-after wines in the world.
The wine is made from a blend of old and young vines, which helps to give it its unique character. The Grange is also aged in oak barrels for 18 months, which further contributes to its complex flavour. In addition to its excellent taste, the Grange is also notable for its high quality.
The wine is made with 100 percent hand-picked grapes, and each batch is tasted and approved by Penfolds’ master wine-makers before being released. As a result, the Grange is consistently ranked as one of the world’s top wines. It’s no wonder that this exceptional wine continues to be one of Australia’s most popular choices.
Why Penfolds is a Global Leader in Winemaking
Penfolds is now one of the most iconic names in winemaking, and for good reason. The family-owned company has been producing exceptional wines for over 170 years, and today it is recognized as a global leader in the industry.
One of the secrets to Penfolds success is its commitment to quality. The company owns some of the best vineyards in Australia, and it employs a team of expert winemakers who use traditional methods to craft each bottle.
In addition, Penfolds invests heavily in research and development, constantly striving to improve its wines. As a result, it is no surprise that Penfolds wines are prized by collectors and enjoyed by wine lovers around the world.
