I have immensely enjoyed the time it has taken to restore the Shiraz vineyard, which was planted in 1910. It took me 10 years of pruning and re-trellising to get the ancient vines back into shape. Because we have never had Phylloxera in South Australia, thanks to a 120 year quarantine, the vines survive on their own roots. This enables them to attain a great age, while still remaining productive. As the most senior vines begin to decline, they are rejuvenated with younger growth material through the ancient technique of layering. The original root systems are maintained. They have survived in the same environment for so many seasons. They have become harmonious with their surroundings and strongly resilient to the swings of seasonal change. The roots extend deep into the underlying decomposed podzolic clay, which stores moisture during the Summer Months, eliminating the need for irrigation. In addition, the pond at the bottom of the vineyard acts as a passive water source, supplying the underlying soil strata with moisture. The attached soil map shows that the property lies at the transition of two soil types. The Southern, North-East facing hillside is where the vineyard is located. It is a very sheltered site, well protected from Southerly storms. The underlying soils are the result of weathered rock from the Paleozoic age, some 500-250 million years ago. We believe that there was a semi-tropical rainforest at this location around 40 million years ago, hence the underlying, acidic, podzolic clays, which nurture the vine roots. The average annual rainfall is around 750mm, although the past few seasons have been unusually dry. To sustainably manage the vines, less is better. I don't disturb the soil with tillage. I prune the vines hard and feed them gently during the growing season with a spray of natural nutrients. As soon as the grapes begin to colour, the entire vineyard is covered with bird net, to prevent damage to the fruit and to enable it to achieve full ripeness in pristine condition.
Nestled amid the heart of the Barossa Valley, lies the premium vineyards of the Rohrlach Family. For decades these vines have been carefully attended and nurtured by third generation vignerons Kevin, Graham and Wayne. The three brothers joined their father on the land once they finished school and now with their wives Lyn, Lynette and Kaylene, and their children, they continue their father’s legacy.
Having a combined 150 years of experience in the wine industry, their dedication to quality and excellence was awarded in 2003 when they were awarded ‘Vignerons of the Year’ by the Barons of the Barossa.
After growing for many years for two prominent Barossa wineries the idea was considered to release their own label. It seemed to be an exciting new venture for the company’s future, and so with the support of the entire family in 2000 the first grapes were harvested for the future ‘Rohrlach Family Wines’.
In 2002 the inaugural vintage of Rohrlach Family Wines Shiraz and Cabernet Merlot were released. The succulent juice that was used in these two releases were sourced from three of the family’s prominent vineyards fondly known as ‘The Homestead’, ‘The Ponda Rosa’ and ‘The Light Pass’ blocks.
The wine label for ‘Rohrlach Family Wines’ was designed specifically for the family by a close friend and up and coming Barossa artist, to exhibit the family emblem, the grape leaf. The grape leaf is instrumental to the family heritage. The three diamonds represent the three brothers and their families and the leaf overall represents the years of toil and hard work that has gone into making their vineyards as successful as they are today.
The future looks promising for the Rohrlach Family. The new generations of Rohrlachs are keen to continue the legacy that their great Grandfather started back in 1930. And so, I can only expect that this family venture will continue to grow as an influential part of the Australian wine Industry.
