Charlie Melton is an icon of the Barossa, one of the first to recognise the value and tradition of the Barossa’s old vineyard Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro. In the 1980s, when others were pulling out vineyards of old Grenache and Shiraz to plant white varieties, Charlie convinced growers to retain their historic vineyards, making him one of a small group of winemakers who helped retain the viticultural heritage of the Barossa. Charles remains at the forefront of his small winemaking team, but has now been joined by his daughter Sophie, who gives her name to the DSC wines (Domain Sophie Claire).
Charles Melton Wines are now proud custodians of bush vine Grenache aged over 70 years, together with some 90-year-old Shiraz vines. Across the board, great emphasis is placed on the quality of fruit. All grapes are dry-grown on the Meltons’ 90 acre estate, with small parcels contributed from a select group of grape growers.
Parcel selection and isolation from a diverse set of vineyards, combined with whole bunch fermentation, open-fermenters, hand-plunging and wild yeast are all utilised in the winemaking process. Oak is sourced carefully (a combination of French and American with staves shaped via immersion), with the idea to allow the rich fragrance and flavours of old, dry-grown Barossa vines to move to the fore, with subtle oak complementing the fruit.
For more information please visit charlesmeltonwines.com.au
