Yangarra Circle Grenache 2024: Tasting Notes

WINE STYLE → Bright, silky & Nouveau-leaning

This is Grenache in its most vibrant register: juicy red fruit, floral lift and a silky frame that makes it dangerously easy to pour. Expect wild strawberry and red cherry, a flutter of cherry blossom, and a savoury spice edge that keeps it composed rather than sweet. Medium-bodied and energetic, it finishes dry and fresh with fine, natural tannins — the kind of red that’s brilliant at the table and even better with a slight chill.

Highlights

• Certified biodynamic and organic; vegan-suitable
• 95 points – Halliday Wine Companion (Marcus Ellis)
• Bush-vine Grenache from Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale
• Hand-picked, wild-fermented, brief maceration; matured in stainless and older oak
• Residual sugar <1 g/L (dry)
• 14% ABV

Tasting Notes

The aromatics sit in that pretty Grenache zone: wild strawberry, red cherry and a floral top note, lifted by a dusting of savoury spice. On the palate it’s medium-bodied and silky rather than heavy, with a clean line of acidity and fine, natural tannins that give shape without dryness. The finish is bright and energetic — more “fresh fruit and spice” than oak or extraction.

Winemaking

Fruit is hand-picked and wild-fermented, with only a brief maceration to keep the style juicy and light on its feet. It’s then given a short élevage split between stainless steel and older oak, dialling in texture and stability while keeping the wine’s perfume and fruit purity front and centre.

Vineyard & Vintage

From Yangarra’s single-vineyard estate in Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale — a higher, sandy-soil pocket that’s become a benchmark for refined Grenache. The 2024 season delivered excellent flavour concentration with freshness, resulting in a lively, balanced red built for immediate enjoyment.

Why We Love It

Because it’s a modern Grenache that still feels distinctly of place. The biodynamic farming shows up as clarity and energy rather than heaviness, and the winemaking keeps things transparent: bright fruit, floral lift, gentle structure. It’s also one of those bottles that makes hosting easy — it works with food, it works slightly chilled, and it keeps everyone reaching for the next glass.

Food Pairing

Perfect with Mediterranean plates, grilled lamb, roast chicken, tomato-based pastas, mushrooms, and anything with herbs, olive oil and a bit of char. The bright fruit and fine tannins also make it a natural match for pizza night (especially anything with nduja, salami or roasted capsicum).

Try matching this wine with →

• Lamb kofta with yoghurt & herbs — Find a Recipe
• Eggplant parmigiana — Find a Recipe
• Mushroom ragu — Find a Recipe

Mood or occasion to match this wine…

A “chill the red” kind of evening — music on, something tomatoey on the stove, and a bottle that disappears faster than planned. Pour it slightly cool if you want the strawberry-and-spice lift to sing. It’s also a brilliant picnic red when you want flavour without weight.

Cellaring

Made to drink young and enjoy its fresh perfume, but it will hold comfortably for 3–5 years if you like your Grenache a little more savoury and settled.

Producer

Yangarra Estate Vineyard is one of Australia’s benchmarks for biodynamic viticulture, working from a single estate in Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale. The Yangarra team focuses on farming detail and gentle handling to express site — with a Rhône-variety lens and a modern, restrained hand in the cellar. The Circle range offers earlier-drinking expressions while still carrying Yangarra’s signature: purity of fruit, fine structure and a composed, Mediterranean feel.

Related Wines To Try →

• From the same site, more depth and savoury structure — Yangarra Old Vine Grenache 2022
• Grenache with similar perfume, from Barossa old vines — Kalleske Old Vine Grenache 2023
• Grenache with friends (field blend, chillable) — Yangarra Circle Field Blend 2024

FAQ

What does Yangarra Circle Grenache taste like?

Wild strawberry and red cherry, a hint of cherry blossom, and savoury spice. Medium-bodied, silky and fresh, finishing dry with fine, natural tannins.

What is Grenache?

Grenache is a Mediterranean grape known for fragrant red fruit (think strawberry and cherry), a subtle spice/herbal edge, and a naturally supple, silky feel. In places like Blewitt Springs, it can also show lovely lift and fine tannin structure rather than simple sweetness.

Should I serve this Grenache chilled?

Yes — a light chill works beautifully. Try 15–20 minutes in the fridge, especially on warm days. It sharpens the fruit, lifts the florals and keeps the finish extra refreshing.

Is it sweet or dry?

Dry. The fruit is bright and juicy, but the wine finishes clean, with residual sugar under 1 g/L.

Is it oaky?

Not in a showy way. Any oak influence is subtle, used more for gentle texture than overt flavour.

Is it biodynamic and vegan?

Yes — it’s certified biodynamic and organic, and vegan-suitable.

Who will love it most?

If you like Pinot-style drinkability but want a little more sun-kissed fruit and spice, this is a great fit. It’s also perfect for anyone who loves Grenache that’s bright, perfumed and built for the table.

(SKU: YG_CIG_CV)