On-premise specialist De Bortoli Wines is expanding its multi-award-winning Woodfired range to meet continued consumer expectations.
Following the success of the Heathcote varietals of Shiraz, Sparkling Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, comes Heathcote Grenache. The range is said to encapsulate the geography, climate and growing conditions of the region – Victoria’s “home of big reds”.
Recognisably dense and complex, with ripe dark fruits, they pair perfectly with char-grilled foods.
“There is a resurgence of woodfired oven cuisine and charcoal cooking in Australia and we are always looking for wines to match,” says chief winemaker, Steve Webber.
“The combination of the really warm climate and rich deep red soils in Heathcote really come through in the Woodfired wines, that perfectly suit the charcoal and smoke flavours.”
De Bortoli offer that Heathcote Grenache is “an intense dark colour red with purple edge; ripe blackberry and blueberry characters, cedar-wood and liquorice; soft, rich, mouth coating, balanced tannin, hints of classic Cabernet and authentically Heathcote”.
Fermented at 25-30°C for eight to twelve days, it is matured in vats for eight months. ABV 14.5 per cent.
Griffith-based De Bortoli Wines is a family company established in 1928 by Vittorio De Bortoli. Today it is under the custodianship of the third generation, Darren, Leanne, Kevin and Victor De Bortoli.
The Woodfired range has been a major success since its launch in 2015, making an impression in the global wine circuit, securing a host of awards. The Shiraz has won a staggering 49 trophies, and the Cabernet Sauvignon an impressive 26 since its release in 2018.
Citing the trending demand for Grenache in Australia, De Bortoli opted that the “logical next step” was adding this fragrant wine to the range.
“These wines are big, bold and go really well with charcoal flavours from the bbq. I really love it because it is soft, round and plush,” says Kate Webber, 4th generation winemaker.
The Woodfired range is available on-premise and at leading independent retailers.
And the Woodfired Shiraz is available for pubs and clubs via De Bortoli’s Wine By The Glass product – a patented system released last year.
Compact and portable, it features two separate zones, allowing white, rosé and sparkling wine to be served chilled and red at ambient temperature. Its mobility allows for temporary settings, such as functions or pop-up bars.
The company suggests it is a cost-effective way to serve, saving time, energy and resources, while reducing overall wastage and eliminating half-filled leftover bottles.
Product is available in 10-litre boxes, ranging these six of its brands: King Valley Prosecco, 3 Tales Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Woodfired Heathcote Shiraz, Bella Riva King Valley Pinot Grigio and Regional Reserve Yarra Valley Pinot Noir.
