Description
Johann Gottlob Schrapel and his family arrived from Silesia on the George Washington in 1844. This was just eight years after South Australia was settled. Like many Silesian migrants, they travelled by ox cart to Bethany (Bethanien) and established the Barossa’s first settlement.
Johann planted the first vineyard in 1852 from cuttings carried from Europe. He built a wine cellar and had reputation as a winemaker. Despite this our family were grape growers for the next four generations.
In 1981, fifth generation brothers Robert and Geoff established Bethany Wines. They built a winery in the quarry where the early pioneers had hewn stone for their homes. They crushed 2 tonnes of Shiraz and Riesling, launching the next chapter of the Schrapel wine story.
The early 1980s were tough for Barossa grape growers. A glut followed a red wine boom and grape prices fell below production cost. The State Government wanted growers to pull out old Shiraz and Grenache vines. They encouraged growers to plant new varieties or leave the industry. Fortunately, the brothers chose to establish a tradition of winemaking from this undervalued yet irreplaceable resource of old vineyards.
Tasting Note
Dark purple with crimson highlights. A strong, forceful nose of compressed dark berries, lifted floral notes and hints of spiced oak. Powerful dark red and black fruits come to the fore with a lift of sweet aromatics curling through the palate. A hint of spice and savoury mineral character adds to the complexity and intensity. Dense and chewy tannins give a grip and texture that envelops the fruit and delivers a long and lingering finish.
Goes well with
Roasted meats as well as more robust vegetable dishes such as ratatouille. Perfect with hard cheeses.
Cellaring
Will continue to improve with careful cellaring for up to 5-8 years
