Grant Burge Wine
Grant Burge, a 5th generation winemaker and viticulturist, only set up his own business in 1988, but has developed the company into one of the top 10 privately owned wine businesses in Australia. Winner of just about every award domestically and internationally, Grant Burge has been one of the most respected and influential Australian winemakers of the last 30 years, and will still be found, most days, checking almost every step of the winemaking process, from early morning, as the grapes come in, until late at night, checking the vats, in his Barossa wineries.
What’s The Background To Grant Burge Wines?
Grant Burge is the descendant of Englishman John Burge, who emigrated to Australia, from Wiltshire in 1855. John became a winemaker, and fell in love with the culture of this industry, a passion he passed on to his son, and onto the generations that followed.
Grant Burge started in the wine industry in 1970, working for a company in the Mclaren Vale and was involved in the launch of the now famous Tatachilla Cabernet Sauvignon 1972. He was also largely responsible for the successful development of the Krondorf winery and reputation.
He set up his own, bespoke company in 1988, in his beloved Barossa Valley, and in the last 20 years, has built up his vineyard holdings to such an extent that Grant Burge are the largest private vineyard holders in the Barossa. Passionate about the heritage and provenance of the Barossa, Grant Burge wines, have stayed true to the tradition and region, from which they come.
Grant Burge now owns over 400 hectares of vines; he has purchased land in virtually every sub region of the Barossa, on every single type of soil, and have planted, in its separate instance, the very best grapes for each particular soil type – he thus has access to the very best grapes, in the very best, and diverse locations that the region has to offer.
There are 2 wineries, both near Tanunda, in the heart of the Barossa, Illaparra winery and Barossa winery (the previous Krondorf winery). Grant Burge is at the heart of everything, and despite now being an internationally famous winemaker, stays close to his roots and remains very hands on. He has built wineries, and bought vineyards to develop for the next generation, developing a sustainable legacy for the brand and the quality of the wines.
His passion and belief is stamped all over the character of the wines. He once said:
‘Fine wines are born in the vineyard, and the vineyards are the cradle of wine quality.’
He believes that the right grapes, grown in the right soil, within the right microclimate and with the best vineyard practices and vinification techniques will produce truly exceptional wines. His vision for the future is clear – the work he is doing is to continue and develop the legacy and tradition of the greatest wines of the Barossa Valley, and to teach the next generation how to continue to produce the very best.
What Styles Of Wine Does Grant Burge Make?
Grant Burge produces a wide range of wines, from approachable blends, to true icons of the Barossa, but all with his inimitable stamp marked on them. The focus, in every wine, is about delivering the absolute best in quality at every given level.
GB range – a range of blends, with a distinctive, modern label, acts as a fitting introduction to the style of Grant Burge, and showcase true varietal character – the whites include a peachy Pinot Grigio, and a lifted, fruity Chardonnay Viognier blend; there is a dry Rose, followed by 3 reds – a ripe, juicy Merlot, a rich, full-bodied and currant Cabernet Shiraz, and a full flavoured, spicy Shiraz.
Benchmark range – this range delivers true varietal fruit and focus on individuality and expression. The range comprises 4 wines, a Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Rose and the ubiquitous, big, bold Benchmark Shiraz.
5th Generation – a tribute to his forefathers, this is a range of mainly Barossa fruit, produced to show true diversity and personality in the wines. There is a crisp, zesty Sauvignon Semillon blend, a ripe, stylish Chardonnay, an upfront, vibrant Cabernet Merlot blend, and of course a signature Shiraz.
The Vigneron – from 100% Barossa fruit, these 2 wines, a Chardonnay and a Shiraz, truly embody the philosophy and passion of Grant Burge.
The Vineyard range – in this premium collection, Grant Burge showcases the best wines from specific valleys, which characterise his vision of the best grapes grown in the best vineyards. The range comprises Summers Chardonnay from cool climate Adelaide Hills and Eden Valley; Kraft Sauvignon Blanc, combining fruit from Barossa and Adelaide Hills; and 4 Barossa reds – Cameron Vale Cabernet Sauvignon, Daly Road Shiraz Mourvedre, Hillcot Merlot and Miamba Shiraz – each superbly crafted and typical of its kind.
Wines of Distinction range – a selection of 5 reds, showcasing the top, ultra-premium fruit used to produce outstanding wines – the range includes Balthasar Shiraz and the Rhone-style blend of Holy Trinity Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvedre.
Flagship range – the pinnacle of the range, some truly exceptional reds, produced from old vines, very prized and unique wines.
Sparkling – Grant Burge also produces 2 popular and high quality sparkling wines, made by the traditional method, a ripe, elegant Chardonnay Pinot Noir, and a delicious, fruity sparkling Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon.