GLAETZER, Barossa Valley
With a viticultural history in Barossa & Clare dating to 1888, the current Glaetzer clan could be considered Barons of the Barossa. In fact, Colin (dad) and Ben (son) are both just that — in recognition of their winemaking skills and contribution to the cultural traditions of the Barossa Valley. After working throughout Australia and internationally, Colin returned to Barossa in 1985 to run Barossa Valley Estate (E & E Black Pepper Shiraz, the Ebenezer…). Ten years later, he established Glaetzer Wines with his family.
Ben is now at the helm of the family winery, crafting 4 remarkable wines from old vines; many bush-trained and dry-farmed; from a collection of vineyards in the Ebenezer sub-district of the northern Barossa. The most remarkable vineyards have own-rooted bush vines, giving under 1 tonne per acre.
The wines have quickly become true classics — Amon Ra is an icon, considered in the company of Grange and Hill of Grace. Ben’s philosophy is 'guided more by the artistic side in flavours, aromatics and the overall personality of a wine… art comes into it when allowing a natural process to occur rather than trying to influence it'. He makes unique, balanced wines with minimal intervention, perhaps some of the most elegant in the region.
