Irvine Wines is located in the Eden Valley of South Australia and was established in 1981. The varieties grown include Merlot, Zinfandel, Meslier, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.
The winemaking is handled by James (Jim) Irvine and his daughter Joanne, both specialising in highest quality and 'prestige' style of winemaking. Joanne has responsibility for the Zinfandel.
Rather than trying to impose a European style they seek to maintain the individuality of the particular vineyard and its region in bringing forth its strengths and rewards.
Zinfandel is a popular grape variety grown in the United States and Italy where it is known as Primitivo. Irvine Zinfandel is grown in the higher regions of Eden Valley where the ripening period can be extended.
A combination of green cropping after set and again after veraison reduces the vine yield by approximately 50%. This coupled with moveable foliage wires allows maximum fruit exposure to attain flavour depth.
The 2003 Eden Valley vintage was prolonged due to summer rains and extremely cool nights thus delaying harvest until Mid May. Crop levels were also lower than average that year resulting in only 220 cases being produced.
"They seek to maintain the individuality of the particular vineyard and its region in bringing forth its strengths and rewards."
