d’Arenberg has been ranked as one of the Top 100 Wineries in the world by Wine & Spirits Magazine six times!  Peak behind the scenes with winemaker, Chester Osborn:

Enjoy a glass of Chester’s amazing wines, join our January Wine Club!

d’Arenberg
The Custodian
Grenache
McLaren Vale, South Australia

In 1959, Francis d’Arenberg (d’Arry) Osborn began bottling d’Arenberg wines under the now famous Red Stripe label. Today, d’Arenberg is the keeper of nearly one-third of all of McLaren Vale’s mature Grenache bush vines and d’Arry has celebrated 67 consecutive vintages earning consistent critical acclaim for their coveted Grenache-based wines. Fourth generation winemaker, Chester Osborn, guides the small-batch Grenache parcels from the vintage through the gentle ‘Demoisy’ crusher, into open fermenters and then into the 19th century basket-presses. Natural minimal processing ensures maximum flavor which results in a harmless deposit in the bottle.

“When Grenache is good, you know it straight away. The nose is packed with fresh fruit characters of raspberry, cherry and pomegranate, with complex notes of sooty black earth and cracked fennel seed in support. With time, the palate evolves from initial fresh red fruit characters into a darker brooding blackberry and Kalamata olive skin spectrum. The wine maintains its focus and drive on a long lingering finish held by a tight rhubarb-like acid line. The fine line is further supported by structured, lively tannin.”. – Chester Osborn, winemaker

Winemaker: Chester Osborn
Appellation: McLaren Vale, South Australia
Varietal Blend:  100% Grenache
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume

EGGPLANT BRAISED IN CHORIZO TOMATO SAUCE

INGREDIENTS:
• 16 oz loose chorizo
• 1 cup diced onion
• 4 large garlic cloves, sliced
• 28 oz can tomatoes
• 1 pound Japanese eggplant (about 3)
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• 1 tsp fresh oregano
• ¼ cup basil

DIRECTIONS:
• Place the tomatoes in a blender and puree until smooth.
• Slice the eggplant into 2 inch pieces.
• Over medium heat cook the chorizo until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
• Add onion and garlic to pan and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the chorizo back to the pan with the wine. Cook for 1 minute. Pour in the tomato and bring to a boil. Add the eggplant and bring back to a boil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover the pan, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes add the thyme and oregano. Put cover back on and cook for 10 more minutes, or until eggplant is tender.
• Chop the basil and sprinkle over the top. 4 servings. Serve as main dish or side dish.
© Photo and recipe courtesy of Chateau Ste Michelle.