November 12th – There’s little surprise you’ve haven’t heard of Concrete & Clay wines (yet)… That’s because they’ve only launched their first release in 2019 and is a small family-run label based out of metropolitan Melbourne, in an inconspicuous suburb named Bangholme. And yet just this week, Concrete & Clay was awarded the highly coveted Best Shiraz Trophy at the Cathay Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition, which was contended by some of the biggest names in wine from around the world and Australia, including De Bortoli, Grant Burge, Jacobs Creek, Orlando, St Hallett, Tyrrells, Yellow Tail and Zilzie. This is a particularly significant result amongst some big-name entrants, and testament to the work founder and winemaker Paul Baggio has put into the vines and winemaking process on his 40 acre site. Something special is certainly happening in the sleepy suburb of Bangholme in Melbourne! It’s ideal geographic location, just up the road from Port Phillip Bay, bringing coastal sea breezes, matched with the rich clay soils have seemingly created a winning flavour profile compared to some other well-known grape growing regions. Interestingly, this underdog in the high stakes game of premium Shiraz is limited to only 700 bottles, so only those who get in early will be rewarded with a completely unique, collectible drop. The wine will be released to the public today and available currently only from The Craft & Co
This 2020 Reserve Shiraz by Concrete & Clay is officially described as “Deep yet vibrant cool climate Shiraz with floral aromatics, mixed with fresh wild berries and a subtle hint of toasted oak, over a full-bodied, smooth frame of forest fruit, mocha and pepper spices. Finishes long, precise and clean. Structured to age well or enjoyed now.”
The summary:
- Name: Concrete & Clay Reserve Shiraz
- Year: 2020
- RRP: $78
- ALC/VOL: 14.5%
- BUY FROM: The Craft & Co
About Paul Baggio
Our chief winemaker, Paul Baggio embarked on his journey in his early 20’s working in Italian wineries, and completing studies of winemaking and brewing in Europe & Australia. Further vintage work continued in South Africa and in the U.S, before then returning to Australia where he has been consulting with some of our best artisanal wineries since. Establishing Concrete & Clay was a lifelong dream to expand his generational heritage and express his trans-continental experience to his very own winemaking team back home.
About Concrete & Clay
Backed by three generations of Italo-Australian winemaking heritage, Concrete & Clay is a Victorian wine using artisanal techniques for contemporary Australian palates. From its home in coastal South East Melbourne, Concrete & Clay sources grapes from its own unique 40 acre estate and also curates the very best fruit from other Victorian regions to craft deliciously drinkable wines. Concrete & Clay was founded by one of Victoria’s enduring wine industry families, the Baggio’s, whose working history dates back to the early 20th Century in Montello, Italy. The vision to merge their heritage within the wine & food production industries has culminated in the establishment of this winery, adding a new chapter to Australia’s rich wine culture. Concrete & Clay might be a new name, but it’s been over a 100 years in the making.
