I have played with this blend of mataro and grenache over many decades and hold the view that the future of the Barossa will hinge on broadening the appeal of these two magical varieties.

From 1993 to 1999 I released a Veritas Mataro Grenache blend, some of which are drinking beautifully now. I believe they were ahead of their time so I deferred making any more. I also made a Veritas “Clement” over the three vintages 1997, 1998 and 1999. It was named to pay homage to the great Rhone wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and also have a bit of cheeky fun. Pope Clement V moved the papacy to Avignon in 1309. He had lived in Bordeaux, was made Pope in Lyon and was said to enjoy Burgundy. He and subsequent Popes did much to improve viticulture along the Rhone and North at Chateauneuf.

With the market now being much more sophisticated it is time to make this blend again. The source of the mourvedre is the old 100 year plus vines behind the winery and grenache planted in 1957 from my Western Ridge vineyard. This time I am confident that experienced consumers of Barossa wines will see this as the true Barossa style.