Organic Hill Founders Preservative Free Grenache 2022: Tasting Notes

WINE STYLE → Juicy, Crunchy New-Wave Red

A vibrant McLaren Vale Grenache made from certified organic and biodynamically grown fruit, bottled without added preservatives and with no oak influence. It has the generous red-fruit charm Grenache lovers look for — raspberry, plum, blueberry, cherry and spice — balanced by bright acidity, fine tannins and a long, juicy finish.

Highlights

• Certified organic, certified biodynamic, vegan suitable and no added preservative
• Crafted by Organic Hill — a McLaren Vale producer focused on organic passion and preservative-free winemaking
• Raspberry, plum, blueberry, cherry, chocolate and spice
• Hand harvested from Organic Hill’s organic and biodynamic Sellicks vineyard in McLaren Vale
• 95 Points — Sam Kim, Wine Orbit; 91 Points — James Suckling; 93 Points — Wine Enthusiast
• 14.1% ABV

Tasting Notes

Deep red with a magenta rim, this Grenache opens with raspberry, plum, blueberry and spice, backed by hints of cherry, chocolate, violet, pink peppercorn and roasted hazelnut. The palate has a juicy entry, vibrant acidity and a smooth run of red and blue fruits. It finishes long and balanced, with fine polished tannins and a gentle savoury mineral note.

Winemaking

The grapes were hand harvested from Organic Hill’s organic and biodynamic vineyard in McLaren Vale. They were destemmed, with a small portion of stems added back to the fermenter, then fermented on skins for 12 days in an open-top fermenter using Rhône yeast. Free-run and pressings were combined, and the wine was bottled young without oak, fining or sulphur dioxide addition to preserve freshness and its no-added-preservative style.

Vineyard & Vintage

This Grenache comes from Organic Hill’s Sellicks vineyard in McLaren Vale, a region known for Mediterranean warmth, old winegrowing heritage and a patchwork of soil types. The vineyard’s proximity to the ocean brings cooling sea breezes, helping retain varietal distinction and natural acid line. The 2022 release is dry, with 0.8 g/L residual sugar, 14.1% alcohol, pH 3.36 and total acidity of 6.5 g/L.

Why We Love It

This is Grenache in a bright, modern, food-loving shape: fragrant red fruit, fresh acidity, no oak and just enough tannin to keep it composed. The organic, biodynamic, vegan and no-added-preservative credentials make it even more appealing, especially when you want a red that has flavour and integrity without heaviness.

Food Pairing

Grenache loves dishes with spice, roasted edges and a little sweetness, but this wine’s freshness also makes it a strong match for vegetarian and Middle Eastern-style cooking. Think duck, lamb, smoky eggplant, grilled vegetables and tomato-rich dishes.

Try matching this wine with →

• Duck à l’orange or citrus-glazed duck — Find a Recipe
• Harissa roasted eggplant with yoghurt and herbs — Find a Recipe
• Moroccan lamb meatballs with tomato and spice — Find a Recipe

Mood or occasion to match this wine…

Pour it for a relaxed dinner where the food is generous and the wine needs to keep pace without taking over. It is lovely with slow lunches, spice-led midweek cooking, autumn entertaining or a thoughtful bottle for someone who already enjoys Grenache.

Cellaring

Enjoy now for its raspberry, plum and blueberry freshness, or cellar for 5–8 years from vintage under good storage conditions. Because it is made without added preservatives, keep it away from heat and light and use a stable, cool storage space.

Producer

Organic Hill is based in McLaren Vale, South Australia, drawing on certified organic and biodynamic vineyard material from Sellicks, where cooling sea breezes help retain freshness in the fruit. The producer has a clear focus on preservative-free wines that still show varietal expression and regional character. In the Founder’s range, winemaking is detailed but not heavy-handed: hand harvesting, open-top fermentation, thoughtful stem inclusion and early bottling are used to preserve energy, purity and the natural shape of the fruit.

Related Wines To Try →

If you enjoy juicy, fruit-driven reds with organic credentials and good table appeal, these are natural next steps:

• Vibrant McLaren Vale Shiraz Grenache blend — Paxton AAA Shiraz Grenache
• Unoaked, juicy Spanish Grenache style — Mesta Organic Grenache
• Same producer, darker Cabernet structure — Organic Hill Founders Preservative Free Cabernet Sauvignon

FAQ

What does Organic Hill Founders Preservative Free Grenache taste like?

It tastes bright, juicy and aromatic, with raspberry, plum, blueberry, cherry, spice and a little chocolate. The palate is medium-bodied, dry and fresh, with fine tannins and a long, balanced finish. It is more red-fruited and lifted than a big Shiraz.

Is this Grenache dry, sweet or full-bodied?

This is a dry red wine, with residual sugar listed at 0.8 g/L. It sits around medium-bodied, with lively acidity and soft-to-fine tannins. The fruit is generous, but the wine itself is not sweet.

Does it contain preservatives or sulphites?

This wine is No Added Preservative, so sulphur dioxide has not been added during winemaking. Like all wines, it may contain tiny amounts of naturally occurring sulphites from fermentation. It is also certified organic, certified biodynamic and vegan suitable.

How should I serve Organic Hill Founders Grenache 2022?

Serve it at around 14–16°C in a medium to large red wine glass. A light chill can make the raspberry, plum and spice notes even more refreshing. Decanting is optional, but 15–20 minutes of air will help open the aromatics.

What food pairs well with this wine?

It pairs beautifully with duck à l’orange, lamb kofta, Moroccan-spiced dishes, roast chicken, chargrilled vegetables and smoky eggplant. The fresh acidity and fine tannins work well with richer foods, while the red-fruit profile handles spice and sweetness. For a vegetarian match, try harissa-roasted eggplant or mushroom flatbread.

Can this wine be cellared?

Yes, the winery notes suggest it can be enjoyed now or cellared for 5–8 years. It has enough acidity and tannin to develop savoury complexity with time. Store it somewhere cool, dark and stable, especially because it is made without added preservatives.

Is this wine vegan friendly?

Yes, this Grenache is vegan suitable. It is also certified organic and certified biodynamic. The winemaking notes also state it was bottled without fining, which supports its vegan-friendly status.

Who will enjoy this wine the most?

This is ideal for drinkers who enjoy juicy, aromatic reds with red fruit, spice and a smooth finish. If you like lighter McLaren Vale reds, southern Rhône Grenache or fresh Australian Grenache, this should be a very easy yes. It is also a lovely option for Shiraz drinkers wanting something a little brighter.

How long will it last after opening?

As a no-added-preservative red, it is best enjoyed within 1–2 days of opening. Reseal the bottle and keep it in the fridge, then let it warm slightly before serving. The fruit will be at its brightest on the first night.

Is Organic Hill Founders Grenache keto friendly?

This wine is dry, with 0.8 g/L residual sugar and less than 1 gram of sugar per 100mL. That makes it a suitable low-sugar wine option for many keto-conscious drinkers. Alcohol still matters for strict keto plans, so enjoy in moderation.

(SKU: OH_FGR_CV)