Wine d’Arenberg, “The Hermit Crab”, 2023

Introduction

“Hermit Crab” 2013 differs balanced and full-bodied flavor that is filled with juicy fruit notes candied citrus peel, hints of nectarine, peach, savory pistachio and spices.

Many vineyards are located in the Valley McLaren drained limestone soils formed from the remains of marine fauna of the dried sea once covered this area. One of these representatives is a hermit crab – a small crustacean populating the abandoned shell. Osbournes believe the name “The Hermit Crab” very appropriate for this wine, the first in McLaren Vale blend of Marsanne and Viognier varieties, because it goes well with shellfish, clams and other seafood. Moreover, the word Hermit (“hermit”) is the abbreviation of the famous French appellasona Hermitage (Hermitage) in the Rhone Valley, which is dominated by grade Marsan. White grape variety native to the Rhone Valley, were planted winery “d’Arenberg” in McLaren Vale in the mid-1990s. Considering that the climate and soil of the valleys of both are similar, the planters cultivated varieties Marsanne, Viognier and Russan. The main part of grapes for “The Hermit Crab” is grown in warm conditions, McLaren Vale, and only 8% collected in the Adelaide Hills. Each variety vinified separately. Grapes are pressed and held long fermentation at low temperatures to preserve fresh fruit bouquet. A small amount (10%) Viognier is fermented in old barrels of French and American oak to add complexity and maintain the taste varietal tannins.

The story of one of the most significant wineries in McLaren Vale began in 1912 when Joseph Osborn purchased 25 hectares of vineyards in the hills north of Bellevue. Son of Joseph – Francis – increased area of vineyards to 78 hectares, and before completion in 1928 winery, harvest sold to local winemakers, and later established his own production of dry red and fortified wines.

His son Francis d’Arenberg Osborne, known as d’Arrest, 16 years after leaving school in 1943, joined his father, and in 1957 completely took over the management of a winery. In 1959, he launches under its own brand “d’Arenberg”, named after his mother – Frances Helena d’Arenberg. Wine immediately received cult status from connoisseurs, critics and judges. In 2004, Francis d’Arenberg Osborn was awarded the Order of Australia for his contribution to the wine industry in the region McLaren Vale. Francis is very proud of its achievements in the creation of internationally recognized wines, commonly known as “red band” due to the distinctive diagonal red stripe that adorns the labels of wines “d’Arenberg”.

The representative of the fourth generation, Chester d’Arenberg, after graduating from college Rouzvort and gain practical experience in a number of Australian and European wine regions, took the reins “d’Arenberg” as chief winemaker in 1984. He immediately began to return to the traditional practice of family vineyards growing grapes: at minimum cost and without artificial pollination, irrigation to the extent possible, with very low yields. Winemaking processes of the past have been preserved, unique wines are made in small batches and perfectly convey the nature of class and a true taste of the region McLaren Vale.