The Anthropocene Epoch Mencia
⏳ Drinking Window
2021 - 2026
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted pork loin, grilled lamb chops, cured charcuterie meats
✨ Technical Specifications
Crafted by the iconoclastic Chester Osborn of d'Arenberg, 'The Anthropocene Epoch' Mencía is a testament to the winery's adventurous spirit and embrace of alternative varieties in McLaren Vale. Named after the current geological age defined by human impact, this wine represents a modern adaptation of the native northwestern Spanish grape to South Australian soils. True to d'Arenberg's historic methods, the grapes are gently foot-trodden in open fermenters and basket-pressed, followed by aging in seasoned oak to maintain the grape's natural vibrancy. The result is a fascinating expression of Mencía, marrying its signature wild cherry, pomegranate, and dusty mineral character with the generous warmth and spice of McLaren Vale's maritime terroir.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1912 by Joseph Osborn, d'Arenberg stands as an iconic pillar of McLaren Vale viticulture, stewarded today by fourth-generation chief winemaker Chester Osborn. The estate spans undulating coastal landscapes influenced by the moderating maritime winds of the Gulf St Vincent, resting upon complex, ancient geologies ranging from calcareous Terra Rossa to sandy loam and weathered limestone. Viticulture is rigorous and certified organic and biodynamic across all estate-owned and leased vineyards. While renowned for formidable Rhone-style reds, d'Arenberg's white winemaking upholds identical artisanal rigor: gentle whole-bunch basket pressing ensures minimal phenolics and purity of expression. From the racy, textural The Money Spider Roussanne and crisp The Dry Dam Riesling to the lusciously layered botrytised expressions The Noble Semillon and The Noble Botryotinia Fuckeliana, the wines epitomize balance, crystalline minerality, and vibrant natural acidity.
🍇 Grapes
Mencía
🍷 ABV
13.5%