Grange La Chapelle 2021

2662,00 €

Grange La Chapelle, only 24 bottles available for all of Belgium.
An exceptional cuvée, reserved for lovers of great wines.

“A First”
TWO LEGENDARY WINEMAKERS EXPLORE ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST CELEBRATED GRAPE VARIETIES: Grange La Chapelle

Adelaide, South Australia | Tain L’Hermitage, France
Grange La Chapelle 2021 is the result of curiosity and exploration, bringing together the winemaking cultures of two hemispheres. A blend that truly combines the rich heritage of French winemaking tradition with the innovative spirit of Australian craftsmanship.

A long-standing friendship between Caroline Frey, winemaker of La Chapelle, and Peter Gago, winemaker of Penfolds Grange, made this unexpected union possible. This project showcases what this grape variety can express in terms of aroma and structure by uniting different geographies, soils, and winemaking cultures. Both Caroline and Peter recognized that, after many conversations, the time had come to collaborate.

This partnership has resulted in a pure varietal expression, harmoniously composed in equal parts: 50% La Chapelle, France, from the steep, sun-drenched slopes of the Hermitage hill, and 50% Grange, sourced from vineyards in South Australia: Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley – including many 19th-century old vines from a state that has never been affected by phylloxera. It brings together the attributes of French Syrah and Australian Shiraz – expressions that share a common ancestry but have evolved into distinct styles shaped by their respective terroirs. A new wine that is different, yet respectful of its lineage and original DNA, boldly uniting the flagship wines of both countries… not without risk: Grange La Chapelle.

Grange La Chapelle has its own identity. It is both bold and elegant, structured and expressive, offering a unique experience that highlights two legends.

“As the project progressed, I saw elegance in Grange and strength in La Chapelle.”
Caroline Frey, winemaker La Chapelle

This Grange La Chapelle blend offers an authentic taste of the shared history of Syrah and Shiraz and the possibilities for the future. While this is the inaugural 2021 vintage, the intention is for this wine to be released annually, if Mother Nature allows.

“When things are real, they quickly become obvious… This friendship sparked an idea, that idea became a trial, the trial became a wine. Who would have thought?”
Peter Gago, winemaker Penfolds

Peter Gago also recalls previous connections, including a major tasting of La Chapelle and Grange organized by the Institute of Masters of Wine many years ago. More recently, in 1987, an “Hermitage” lunch at Rakel restaurant in New York (with a young chef, Thomas Keller!), co-hosted by Gérard Jaboulet and Max Schubert.

“We served the Penfolds Grange 1971 and the Hermitage La Chapelle 1978 – a true celebration of Syrah and Shiraz. 38 years later, in 2025, the circle is complete.”

Grange La Chapelle is bold and unique.
Bringing together wine cultures, crossing hemispheres and time. Destiny. A long-standing friendship between two winemakers sparked an idea. The idea became an experiment. The experiment became a wine: Grange La Chapelle. And then there were three – 2021 (bottled), 2022 (bottled), and 2023 (in barrel). Who would have thought?

Syrah from the legendary Hermitage hill, La Chapelle, combined with Shiraz from the esteemed vineyard in South Australia, Grange. The essence of this blend: a single grape variety – united, reinterpreted, reassembled.

La Chapelle, named after the chapel perched atop the granite mound on the left bank of the Rhône, is a revered wine in Tain-l’Hermitage, France. This Syrah from the Hermitage appellation is both powerful and mythical, built to stand the test of time. Today, the 1978, 1990, 1991, and 2015 vintages are highly sought after worldwide, while the 1961 remains a legendary wine of the 20th century.

Grange takes its name from the cottage at Magill Estate Winery in South Australia (originally established in 1844 by early settlers Dr. Penfold and his wife, Mary). Created in 1951, Grange has been released annually for over 70 years. It is one of the most respected and acclaimed wines in the world. The most coveted vintages to enjoy today include: 1952, 1962, 2008, 2010, and 2018.