Flegenheimer Bros. Paisant Red
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Made by acclaimed winemaker Ben Glaetzer for the Hammerschlag family.
- The history of this brand is impressive. The business was established in 1876 and was still flourishing in 1919 when the manufacture, transportation and sale of alcoholic beverages was outlawed in the United States through Prohibition.
Varietal Composition: 98% Grenache, 2% Shiraz
Elaboration: Located in the Seaview area of McLaren Vale, where there is only a few feet of topsoil over a hard shelf of chalk. The cuttings were planted as bush vines on the western slope of Hammerschlag’s property. Yields are low with roughly 2 tons of fruit per acre. Aged for several months in neutral French and American oak to showcase bright acidity and natural fruit. Returned to stainless steel tanks and after 12 months the wine was blended and bottled with only a very light filtration. Grenache and Shiraz were co-fermented.
Tasting Notes: This grenache lends itself to robust cherry flavors with refreshing acidity. Small amounts of Shiraz add blackberry and deep color as well as tannin structure. A pleasing nose, along with superb balance.
“Shows plenty of charm, featuring fresh strawberry and raspberry flavors that are pretty and supple, with accents of cedar and caramel. Notes of pine needle and forest floor linger on the plush finish. Grenache and Shiraz.” ~ MaryAnn Worbiec, Wine Spectator
PRESS
2015 – 90 Wine Spectator
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Benjamin Hammerschlag’s family arrived in the States from Germany in the late 1800’s. His great-great grandfather married a young girl by the name of Flegenheimer and joined her family’s business as New York Wine Merchants. From Brooklyn to Yonkers, Hoboken to Newark, Flegenheimer Bros dealt exclusively in quality beverages. Three generations later, the youngest Hammerschlag has decided to resurrect this heritage with wines of excellence from Australia.