free-shipping

Shipping Australia Wide

money-back-guarantee

Handcrafted Wine

family-owned

Family Owned

made-in-australia

Sustainability

February 06, 2018

What you're drinking when you buy an "Estate" wine. 

So you may spot the phrase “Estate Grown” or “Estate made” or “Estate Grown and made” in a winery’s marketing or even on the wine label itself and ask yourself….

What the heck does that actually mean?! And who really cares anyway!

If you’re anything like me you probably never really cared 2 hoots about it, but there is something a little deeper to it once you scratch below the surface.

Imagine some of the oldest, most exclusive and estate wineries in France, Chateau Margaux,  Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Chateau Grillet and Chateau d’Yquem. These are wineries which have been around for centuries and have wine prices to match their history!

These wineries for the most part have exclusively sourced wine grapes from their own vineyards (or at least the vineyards they run) to make their wine. And this is what makes an “Estate” Winery.

Why would this make any difference?

Having strict control over the vineyard before the vines even begin to shoot in the Spring and a tiny inflorescence (bunch of grapes) visible in the vineyard means they are not relying on another grower/manager to provide fruit for their wines.

It’s a clear choice those French wineries made centuries ago to maintain absolute quality and pride in the hundreds of vintages of their existence. They are held 100% accountable for the final bottle of wine and aren’t willing to compromise at any stage along the way. Be it vine pruning, canopy management, health of the soil, vines and workers all the way to and through the winery. Harvesting at the critical time, fastidious winemaking; destemming, fermentation, pressing and barrel maturation and onto the bottling line is what makes an estate winery one to pay attention to and consider adding to your cellar.

It’s something we are extremely grateful for here at Atze’s Corner, to have the privilege of being an estate winery. The blood, sweat and tears of our ancestors who made the journey to Australia in the 19th Century and the skills and determination they passed down through the generations to my Mum and Dad, Barb and John have set us up to be in this fortunate position.

 Having some amazing vineyards within our family and now in later years a winery on our estate means the wine we make is a direct result of all the hard work, patience and attention to detail that is put in during the entire year.

And one that will hopefully leave a legacy of making world class wines for generation to come. All owned and made by our family, right here in one of the world’s most prestigious wine regions, the Barossa Valley.

So I hope when you’re next browsing the shelves, looking at a wine list or buying wine online you consider what it takes and means to label a wine “Estate grown” and if you choose to pour one in your glass, a wine that has a story to match is stunning flavour and depth.

If you’d like to learn more about the Atze’s Corner Estate simply add you email address to the form at the top right hand side of this blog post and we’ll send you out some more information as well as some great deals on our estate range.




Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Stories

2024 Vintage Report
2024 Vintage Report

July 14, 2024

The 2024 vintage in the Barossa Valley presents a tale of challenges and triumphs, marked by weather patterns that both tested and rewarded the region’s vintners. Here's a comprehensive look into the season’s development, characteristics, and the expected outcomes for the various varieties.

Continue Reading

Exploring the Roots of Grapevine Domestication
Exploring the Roots of Grapevine Domestication

July 11, 2024

The domestication of grapevines, Vitis vinifera, is a narrative deeply entwined with human civilization itself. Over thousands of years, these plants have not only adapted to various climates and geographies but have also been shaped by human hands into the myriad varieties we know today.

Continue Reading

Fifteen Years of Eddies Old Vine Shiraz. Back Vintage Tasting September 15-17th
Fifteen Years of Eddies Old Vine Shiraz. Back Vintage Tasting September 15-17th

September 10, 2023

We are thrilled to share a momentous milestone with you - the 15th anniversary of our beloved Eddie's Old Vine Shiraz! It's been an incredible journey since our inaugural 2005 vintage, and now, 15 vintages later, we are proud to present the 2020 vintage of this exceptional wine.

Continue Reading