The Story of Grange
ONCE TASTED, NEVER FORGOTTEN.
Marking its 75th anniversary, Grange stands as Australia’s most revered wine and the ultimate expression of Penfolds. A benchmark of style and quality, it is crafted from fully ripe, intensely flavoured Shiraz and has amassed more than 35 perfect scores over its history.
Conceived by Max Schubert in 1951, following a formative journey to Bordeaux, Grange was born of passion, risk and determination – its earliest vintages made in secrecy. In the decades since, it has come to define Penfolds presence on the global fine-wine stage.
Visionary. Powerful. Made with conviction. Once tasted, never forgotten.
THE GRANGE STYLE
The timeless appeal of Grange lies in its unwavering commitment to style, unchanged from its earliest experimental vintages to today. Defined by aromatic complexity, intensely rich fruit, ripe Shiraz tannins and nuanced American oak, these qualities are enhanced through partial barrel fermentation and 18 to 20 months of oak maturation. Further ageing in bottle allows Grange to evolve, with tannins softening and complexity building over time.
With an unbroken line of vintages since 1951 and enshrined as a South Australian heritage icon, Grange remains one of Australia’s most collected wines. Each vintage is nurtured in honour of its past, while continuing to shape its future.
JOURNEY THROUGH THE STORY OF GRANGE
Max Schubert joined Penfolds as a messenger boy, determined to make his mark. By 1948, aged 33, he was appointed Chief Winemaker – a defining step in shaping the future of Penfolds.
Sent to Europe to study winemaking practices, Schubert spent time exploring the cellars of Bordeaux. Inspired, he envisioned creating a wine in Australia “capable of staying alive for a minimum of twenty years.”
Back in Adelaide, Schubert began experimenting with Shiraz from Magill Estate and Morphett Vale. Drawing on European influence, Australian tradition and scientific insight, he crafted the first experimental Grange – named after the Penfold family home, ‘Grange Cottage’.
Presented to senior management, Grange was met with strong criticism, and the project was ordered to cease. What might have ended the wine instead strengthened Schubert’s resolve.
Undeterred, Schubert continued production in secret, crafting three hidden vintages in the Magill cellars – a quiet act of conviction that would define Grange’s future.
A second tasting marked a turning point for Grange, as earlier vintages revealed their promise with bottle age and were met with renewed enthusiasm. Endorsed soon after, Grange entered a steady rise in reputation and international acclaim.
Grange gained global acclaim, culminating in the 1990 vintage being named Wine Spectator’s Red Wine of the Year in 1995 – cementing its place among the world’s great wines.
Grange remains one of the world’s most celebrated wines. From its heritage listing in 2001 to multiple perfect scores, its legacy continues to evolve. Guided by successive generations of winemakers, Max Schubert’s vision endures – strengthened with each vintage.
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