January 2025: Wine of the Month Club

Torbreck

     The Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s most famous wine regions, located in South Australia, just about an hour's drive northeast of Adelaide. It’s known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and, of course, its world-class wines. The valley’s wine culture goes back to the 19th century, with German immigrants being among the first to plant vines in the area. This heritage is still felt today, especially in the region’s wine styles, food, and festivals. It's particularly famous for its Shiraz, but you’ll also find excellent Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Riesling. 

     Torbreck is one of the Barossa Valley's standout wineries, widely respected for producing high-quality, full-bodied wines that showcase the region’s unique terroir. Founded in 1994 by Australian winemaker David Powell, Torbreck quickly gained a reputation for crafting exceptional wines that combine both traditional winemaking techniques and modern innovations.  The winery’s name comes from a forest in Scotland near where Powell spent some of his youth, and it reflects the deep connection to both the land and the craft of winemaking.

Minimal Intervention: Torbreck’s wine making philosophy is rooted in minimal intervention. They focus on allowing the quality of the fruit to shine through, using traditional fermentation techniques and aging in oak barrels to add complexity and structure without overshadowing the natural characteristics of the grapes.

Sustainability and Land Stewardship: While not strictly organic, Torbreck is committed to sustainable farming practices and caring for the land that has nurtured their vineyards for generations. They’ve worked to preserve the biodiversity of the Barossa Valley’s unique ecosystem, using responsible farming practices.

     The Juveniles Cuvee takes its name from a collaboration between Torbreck and Tim Johnston, the proprietor of Juveniles Bistrot à Vins in Paris. Juveniles is a beloved wine bar specializing in small-producer wines and showcasing unconventional yet delicious bottles. Torbreck founder David Powell, inspired by his passion for Rhône-style wines and his connection with Johnston, crafted Cuvée Juveniles to reflect the spirit of the bar—youthful, approachable, and full of

character.  Cuvée Juveniles is an unoaked blend, typically featuring Grenache, Mourvèdre (also known as Mataro), and Shiraz—the trio often referred to as GSM. These grapes are sourced from old, low-yielding vines in the Barossa Valley, which give the wine its intense concentration and depth of flavor. The absence of oak aging is key to its appeal. Instead of

showcasing heavy, woody influences, the wine focuses on purity of fruit, vibrancy, and a youthful freshness—qualities that align with the ethos of Juveniles in Paris.

      The first vintage of Cuvée Juveniles was released in the late 1990s or early 2000s, coinciding with the rise of Torbreck as a major name in Australian winemaking. Over the years, the wine has evolved, but its fundamental philosophy of creating an approachable, fruit-driven wine with Rhône influences has remained unchanged. Torbreck's Cuvée Juveniles Blanc is the white counterpart to their popular red Cuvée Juveniles, though it is less widely produced and distributed. Just like the red version, it is inspired by Rhône Valley traditions and emphasizes vibrant, fresh, and fruit-driven characteristics.

      Winemaker Ian Hongell graduated from Roseworthy College in the early 1990s, Ian gained diverse experience working in renowned wine regions, including the Hunter Valley, Barossa Valley, Napa Valley, Haut-Médoc, and Rheinhessen. In 1998, he returned to the Barossa Valley and joined Peter Lehmann Wines, where he worked under the mentorship of

Peter Lehmann and Andrew Wigan. Over nearly two decades, Ian honed his skills and was appointed Chief Winemaker in 2015. In late 2016, Ian accepted the position of Chief Winemaker at Torbreck Vintners, commencing with the 2017

harvest. He later expanded his role to include General Manager responsibilities. At Torbreck, Ian focuses on crafting wines from some of the Barossa's oldest vineyards, emphasizing Rhône varietals and traditional winemaking techniques.