2018 Cirillo 1850 Ancestor Vine Grenache

For over 50 years, the Cirillo family has been looking after some of the world’s oldest Grenache and Semillon vines, now an impressive 176 years old.

They own three-quarters of all Ancestor Vine Grenache plantings worldwide, which is no small feat! They’ve been making waves internationally, showing off at Vinous’ 2024 Rhône Valley Seminar, where their wines stood alongside the best from Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Cirillo is no longer just a local secret, it's gaining well-deserved attention on the global stage.

Led by Marco Cirillo, the estate blends his family’s rich Italian winemaking roots with a modern twist. Their vines, planted in 1848 in Barossa’s Light Pass, are a cornerstone of Barossa's wine history, but their reputation is as fresh as ever.

The 2018 Cirillo 1850 Grenache is the latest showstopper, earning a whopping 97 points from Andrew Caillard, who praised its “sweet red plum and strawberry flavours with a touch of Negroni notes.” This is a wine made from vines that have been producing for over 170 years, a true taste of Barossa’s heritage. For less than $80 a bottle, you get incredible value for a wine now considered to be a benchmark of Australian Grenache.