1st of August is Old Vine Day
The celebration of old vines started by the Old Vine Project and is now celebrated around the world.
Old Vine Day has a special place in the hearts of Australian wine producers and drinkers, as it’s believed that the world’s oldest continually producing vineyards are located are in the Barossa valley and planted in 1846.
But what is an old vine by definition? Well, there isn’t a clear, set definition. Some say over 20 years is mature, and others believe 100 years constitutes an “old vine” label. Either way, at approximately 30 years, the vine is fully matured and starts to produce less fruit.
There is also much debate about what old vines offer fine wine. Some say because the roots spread so far, wide, and deep, they access better nutrients and water, allowing them to produce the finest grapes. Others say that because of their age, they produce less fruit, and with less fruit, vines generally produce better quality. In reality, it’s a combination of all these things. Perhaps the most important detail is that the winemakers have had decades to learn how the vines grow in that specific location and how to get the best out of them.
Here at Fowles, most of the vineyards were planted in 1996, making them 28 years old and entering old vine territory. Our Stone Dwellers collection comprises of single vineyard wines that are the best representation of vineyard and region. These wines are distinctively cool climate and high altitude with hints of minerality from the granite rich soil. We look forward to seeing how these wines along with the vines that produce them continue to develop over the next decade.