Penfolds Wine
As one of Australia’s oldest wineries, Penfolds has been synonymous with quality and sophistication for almost 175 years. Immerse yourself in the artistry of wine-making and savour the bold flavours, elegant complexities, and age-worthy creations that have earned Penfolds global recognition.
History and origin
In 1844, Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold migrated to Australia with plans to produce a medicinal wine tonic. As the popularity of their wines grew, Mary expanded the winery while Dr. Christopher concentrated on his medical profession. By the time she retired, the Penfolds winery was producing a full third of all the wine in South Australia.
What is Penfolds Wine?
In the 1940s, Penfolds hired its first Chief Winemaker, Max Schubert. Described as a loyal company man and true innovator, Schubert would help bring Penfolds onto the global stage with his wine experimentation, which produced many beloved classics like the Penfolds Grange wine and the “bin wines”. Penfolds Grange went on to become the winery’s most revered vintage, earning a South Australian heritage listing on its 50th anniversary.
What is so special about Penfolds Wine?
Unlike European wines that heavily focus on using grapes from a single vineyard, Penfolds uses grapes from different vineyards to produce a single vintage. This allows for more flexibility when pairing complementary grape varieties, creating instant hits that are so high-quality many Penfolds wine reviews have consistently awarded them full marks.
Why is Penfolds so expensive?
Due to the ageing potential of Penfolds wines, every Penfolds wine tasting promises a new experience that turns even the least-favoured vintages into priceless collector’s items. This means that wine enthusiasts often age Penfolds wines for years instead of drinking them upon purchase, increasing both the prestige of older vintages and the value of younger ones.
What types of wine does Penfolds offer?
With almost two centuries of wine-making experience, Penfolds is best known for their red and white wines. Here are just some of the products on the Penfolds wine list:
Red wine
Combining the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with the richness of Shiraz, Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz Rocket has been nicknamed “Baby Grange” as some of its components are matured in the same barrels that previously held Penfolds’ flagship Penfolds Grange wine. Another Penfolds red wine classic, Penfolds Max’s Shiraz, is a Penfolds Shiraz tribute to the winery’s first Chief Winemaker, Max Schubert.
White wine
In the 1970s, some of the Penfolds winery’s best white wines were bottled under the Autumn Riesling label, and the Koonunga Hill Autumn Riesling’s packaging pays homage to those 70s vintages. Bin 51 Eden Valley Riesling is another of Penfolds’ signature white wines, as the Eden Valley locale’s unique climate produces Rieslings described as having “great finesse and elegance”.
How do you drink Penfolds wine?
Penfolds red wine is best served chilled at a temperature of around 18 to 20 degrees Celsius, after a decanting period that allows the wine to “breathe”. Similarly, the recommended serving temperature for white wines is around 10 to 13 degrees, with lighter-bodied wines best served at 7 to 10 degrees.
After opening, both wines should be served in wine glasses designed for the specific variety you are drinking, though universal wine glasses are still considered acceptable.
Penfolds Wine awards
Over the centuries, Penfolds has won many awards for its vintages, including 30+ perfect scores for Penfolds Grange alone. It’s also known for being the winery with the most Winery of the Year awards from the Wine and Spirits magazine, having won the title 30 times. Here are just some of the other accolades it has won as a winery:
- Best Tourism Winery and Best Tourism Restaurant (Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards, 2022)
- Top 50 World’s Best Vineyards (2022)
- Best Winery of the World (The Fine Wine Magazine, 2021)
Penfolds Wine: A celebration of heritage and excellence
Indulge in the rich heritage and exquisite craftsmanship that define the best Penfolds wines, and experience the pinnacle of fine wine-making. Whether you seek a rich, velvety red, or a crisp and refreshing white wine, Penfolds has something to offer every palate. Buy Penfolds wine online today and experience the pinnacle of Australian wine-making.
