Charles Melton

In the early 1980s when others were pulling up old vine Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre to plant more fashionable varieties, Charles Melton was one of a small group of winemakers trying to save the viticultural heritage of the Barossa.

Charles Melton draws on the Barossa Valley's old vine vineyards, a mix of family owned blocks and estate vineyards, all dry grown, and today the winery is an acclaimed Barossa producer. The low yields, chemical free viticulture and age of the vines – many exceeding 90 years old – produce distinctive Barossa grapes. The winemaking strives to balance pure fruit flavours with the earthy character of old dry grown vines.

Initially styled on classic wines from France’s Rhône Valley, Charles Melton's selection of dry red wines are now considered leading examples of the Barossa style. Their lead wine is Nine Popes Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre.