Penfolds launches new collection with Royal Opera House venture

By Mathew Lyons

Published: 16 October, 2015

Last night saw the launch of Penfolds' 2015 collection at London's Somerset House.

The collection spans includes 20 individual wines ranging over five vintages. Its flagship is the 2011 vintage of Penfolds' iconic Grange brand, now its 61^st year. It is only the sixth Grange vintage to be 100% Shiraz.

The event marked the start of the Australian winemaker's partnership with London's Royal Opera House.

Penfolds wines - including Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, St Henri Shiraz and RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz - will be available throughout the Royal Opera House's bars and restaurants. There are also plans underway for co-hosted behind-the-scenes masterclasses.

"We are delighted to be announcing our new collaboration with Penfolds," said Alex Beard, chief executive of the Royal Opera House.

"We have a rich history and heritage, yet we are always striving to innovate and develop our art forms. The work on our stages is renowned for world class excellence and our backstage skills and crafts show mastery at the very highest levels.

"These attributes are shared with Penfolds so it seems a perfectly natural fit for us to be working together."

The launch also marked the global release of a short documentary film, The Story of Grange, narrated by Russell Crowe.

The film is directed by Nic Benns and features an original musical score by David Hirschfelder.

Penfolds' chief winemaker, Peter Gago, said: "The story of Grange is now one of almost mythical status, but the winemaking philosophy behind it remains faithful to that established by Max in 1951.

"Whilst we continue to endeavour to take the wines to the next level via vineyard improvement and winemaking refinement, Max's blueprint is indelibly stamped and respected."

Penfolds was founded in 1844. It is currently owned by Treasury Wine Estates.

'The Story of Grange' can be viewed online here.

Printer friendly version