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KNAPPSTEIN wine ▍Winery Introduction
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Aug 11 , 2023

KNAPPSTEIN wine ▍Winery Introduction

Knappstein Enterprise Winery 

Located in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia,

Red Five Star Winery (Note 1) has been in existence since its founding by Tim Knappstein in 1969.

Renowned as a producer of high-quality wines,

it holds a long-standing and esteemed reputation,

making it one of Australia's renowned and venerable boutique wineries.

 

*紅五星酒莊

"Red Five Star Winery"

Endorsed by the renowned Australian wine critic James Halliday,

In the Australian wine annual guide titled "James Halliday Annual Wine Companion,"

commonly referred to as the "Red Wine Bible" of Australian wines,

this publication has become a purchasing guide for major wine merchants around the world.

"Red Five Star Winery" is the highest accolade within its ratings,

with only 5.1% of wineries across Australia having the privilege of receiving this honor.

 

【Vineyard Introduction】

The winery currently boasts nearly 300 hectares of land,

including approximately 155 hectares of vineyards.

Of these, 130 hectares are nestled in the Clare Valley,

while an additional 24-25 hectares grace the McLaren Vale region.

 

  • We embrace natural grape cultivation methods, with a particular emphasis on sustainable practices that foster ongoing growth while minimizing environmental impact.

     

     Riesling Grape Varieties -ACKLAND VINEYARD

Located on fertile red soils with patches of expansive slate scattered over calcareous clay,

situated at an elevation of 450 to 500 meters,

our vineyard experiences significant diurnal temperature shifts during the summer,

resulting in the preservation of intense natural acidity and the release of classic citrus and floral aromas.

Vineyard Coordinates: 33° 56' 20.52" S 138° 39' 11.98" E

Elevation: 450 - 500 meters

 

  • Knappstein clare valley  Riesling

    Vintage: 2019 Grape Variety: Riesling Origin: Australia - Clare Valley Body & Aromas: Lemon, Citrus, Spice Alcohol Content: 12.0% (2019)

    Awards and Accolades:

    • James Halliday (Renowned Australian Wine Critic) - 2020: 96 points
    • The Real Review (Prominent Australian Wine Review Website): Gold Medal
    • THE WINEFRONT (Esteemed Australian Wine Review Website): 91 points

  

 

 Cabernet Sauvignon Grape Varieties  -ENTERPRISE VINEYARD

This vineyard was established in 1969, located at the northern tip of Clare Valley.

Cabernet grapes thrive on red soils, conveying a strong sense of terroir.

Vines are oriented to the east and west, yielding grapes that strike a harmonious balance between intensity and elegance.

Vineyard Coordinates: 33° 50' 36.25”S 138° 38' 26.00 E

Elevation: 478 meters

*經典老籐 卡本內蘇維濃

  • Vintage: 2018 Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Origin: Australia - Clare Valley Body & Aromas: Wild Berries, Olives Alcohol Content: 14.2% (2018)

    Awards and Accolades:

    • James Halliday (Renowned Australian Wine Critic) - 2017: 95 points
    • The Real Review (Prominent Australian Wine Review Website): Gold Medal
    • The Real Review (Prominent Australian Wine Review Website): Ultimate Award *Ranked in the Top 5% of Wines of the Same Kind
    • IWC (International Wine Challenge, London)

 

   Shiraz Grape Varieties -THE MAYOR'S VINEYARD

This vineyard was planted in 1969,

situated on the eastern ridge of Clare Valley at an elevation of 500 meters.

The vineyard's calcareous soil is adorned with slate,

and over the years, it has consistently produced impeccable and elegantly flavored Shiraz wines.

The combination of low vines and the cool altitude

creates wines with exceptional varietal characteristics and complexity.

Vineyard Coordinates: 33° 50' 38.02”S 138° 38' 52.66”E

Elevation: 506 meters

*市長葡萄園 西拉子

  • Vintage: 2015, 2019 Grape Variety: Shiraz Origin: Australia - Clare Valley Body & Aromas: Wild Berries, Spices, Black Currant Alcohol Content: 13.0% (2015), 14.5% (2019)

    Awards and Accolades:

    • James Halliday (Renowned Australian Wine Critic) - 2017: 95 points
    • James Halliday (Renowned Australian Wine Critic) - 2019: 93 points
    • The Real Review (Prominent Australian Wine Review Website): Silver Medal
    • The Real Review (Prominent Australian Wine Review Website): Ultimate Award *Ranked in the Top 5% of Wines of the Same Kind

 

Wine Style

Tim Knappstein's winemaking philosophy is centered around "showcasing the unique characteristics and essence of their own premium vineyards." Throughout the years, the winemakers have skillfully employed a process that involves delicate and precise techniques, with minimal human intervention. This approach allows the finest grape fruit to express itself purely and authentically within the bottle, encapsulating the true spirit of the vineyard.

 

Senior Winemaker - Michael Kane

Michael is one of the most knowledgeable individuals in the winemaking industry, having worked in some of the most renowned wine regions, including Burgundy, Champagne, Oregon, Napa, and Central Otago. He has also crafted award-winning wines for well-known brands like Devil's Lair, Stella Bella, and Wolf Blass.

Over the years at the Knappstein Winery, Michael has continually refined the approach to winemaking, shifting towards more organic grape cultivation and showcasing a style with a balanced body. Under his guidance, the winemaking team strives to create top-quality wines that authentically represent both the grape variety and the regional influence, reflecting the true essence of the area.