Penfolds

Australian wine producer

Penfolds logo

Penfolds is a renowned Australian wine producer, established in 1844 by Christopher Rawson Penfold and his wife Mary Penfold. The winery is one of the oldest in Australia and has played a significant role in the development of the Australian wine industry. Penfolds is best known for its flagship wine, Penfolds Grange, which is considered one of the world's finest red wines.

History

The history of Penfolds began when Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold, a physician from England, emigrated to Australia with his wife Mary. They settled in Magill, South Australia, where they planted vines around their new home, "The Grange." Initially, the wines were produced for medicinal purposes, but as the quality of the wine became apparent, the business expanded.

Mary Penfold played a crucial role in the early success of the winery, overseeing the winemaking process and experimenting with different grape varieties. Under her guidance, Penfolds began to produce fortified wines, which were popular at the time.

Penfolds Magill Estate

Expansion and Innovation

In the 20th century, Penfolds expanded its operations, acquiring vineyards in other regions of South Australia, including the Barossa Valley and Coonawarra. The company became known for its innovative winemaking techniques and its ability to produce high-quality wines across a range of styles.

In the 1950s, Penfolds' chief winemaker, Max Schubert, created the first vintage of Penfolds Grange. Despite initial criticism, Grange went on to become an iconic wine, winning numerous awards and accolades. Schubert's vision and persistence were instrumental in establishing Penfolds' reputation for excellence.

Winemaking Philosophy

Penfolds is known for its distinctive winemaking philosophy, which emphasizes the blending of wines from different vineyards and regions to achieve complexity and balance. This approach allows Penfolds to maintain a consistent style and quality across its range of wines.

The winery produces a wide variety of wines, including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Each wine is crafted to express the unique characteristics of the grape variety and the terroir from which it is sourced.

Notable Wines

Penfolds Magill Estate Cellar

• Penfolds Grange: The flagship wine of Penfolds, Grange is a Shiraz-based wine with a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. It is known for its rich, full-bodied style and its ability to age gracefully for decades.

• Penfolds Bin 389: Often referred to as "Baby Grange," this wine is a blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is aged in the same barrels that held the previous vintage of Grange, imparting a similar character.

• Penfolds St. Henri: A Shiraz wine that is matured in large, old oak vats, allowing the fruit to shine without the influence of new oak.

Related Pages

• Australian wine
• Barossa Valley
• Coonawarra
• Shiraz (grape)
• Cabernet Sauvignon