Attention all lovers of rare and remarkable wines! Clare Valley’s Knappstein Winery has just released its inaugural, strictly limited, 1878 Transcendence range, consisting of a 2021 Shiraz and 2024 Riesling.
By definition, transcendence occurs when somebody or something does or feels something that goes beyond the ordinary, breaks boundaries, or rises above anything previously experienced. In that vein, the 1878 Transcendence range is an evolution of Knappstein’s current collection, an ascension to the pinnacle of their portfolio that serves as a testament to their unwavering dedication to making wines that have garnered as much love and loyalty amongst wine lovers as they have awards (of which, they have won many).
While the 1878 Transcendence prices reflect their premium status within Knappstein’s range, they still honour the winery’s commitment to achieving approachable prices for wine-loving consumers who seek sublimely good value for their investment. The recommended retail price for the 2024 Riesling is $70 and $130 for the 2021 Shiraz.
Knappstein’s celebrated winemaking team will continue to relentlessly pursue unparalleled tasting experiences with each wine they add to the 1878 Transcendence range. “From selecting the finest rows in our vineyards to choosing only the most exceptional barrels, our dedication ensures that no element is overlooked. We strive to find, nurture, and share the extraordinary qualities of our wines with enthusiasts around the world”, said Michael Kane, Senior Winemaker at Knappstein.
1878 Transcendence also honours the custodianship, innovation, and legacy of excellence created within the historic walls of Knappstein’s 1878 Enterprise Building, a beloved landmark among the Clare Valley community.
Michael shared the rationale behind the naming of the winery’s new premium range, saying, “1878 Transcendence references the year that Fanny Filgate (the daughter of Clare’s founding father Edward Burton Gleeson), built the Enterprise Building so she could commence her brewing business. I think of this date in the 1878 Transcendence range as a marker, the first point in time in which the potential for our winery was sparked.
But it’s also not as literal as a date stamp. This wine range embodies so much more than that. It’s a contemplation of and homage to the stories, energy, and ambitions embedded in these walls. From 1878 onwards, everyone who has occupied the Enterprise building have been its caretakers. So many people have contributed to the upkeep and development of the buildings, looking after what was already established while also innovating, making it better for ensuing generations, through to the time when Tim Knappstein came on board.
Through Tim’s efforts in planting the vineyards and establishing the wine brand, we have the Knappstein Winery we’re so proud of today. It’s an overarching, philosophical appreciation of the wines themselves, our constant pursuit of excellence, and what they’ve come to mean to our brand.”
Having recently announced a new wine label design, this elite range is another fitting recognition of Knappstein’s 50th Birthday celebrations. Once again, Knappstein has partnered with South Australia’s award-winning design studio, Black Squid, to achieve a sophisticated simplicity that will stand the test of time.
Given the wine’s impressive 15+ years of cellaring potential, it will be greatly appreciated when it’s retrieved from its hibernation to be opened and enjoyed on a special day in many years to come.
Take note of the line that runs through Knappstein’s brand mark, transforming it into an abstract, open-ended timeline that carries us from yesterday to tomorrow.
The bottle’s elegant design, luxurious packaging, and theme of transcendence make it, like the wine itself, a work of art and the perfect gift for that special someone celebrating a moment on their life’s timeline, and a treasured addition to any wine collection.
Michael Kane – Knappstein’s Senior Winemaker
While time is aplenty, the availability of the 1878 Transcendence range is not, with Mike advising that
“…each wine within the range is only made in the best years, staying true to the superior quality of this range. It’s a very limited release, available only at our cellar door and select suppliers”.
Looking to the future of Knappstein, Mike spoke of his team’s role as the caretakers of Knappstein’s estate of vineyards, buildings and reputation, saying, “… along with continuing our daily caretaker and winemaking duties, we also have our eye on the future. From a market sustainability point of view, we’re also putting investments and interests back into the vineyards to make sure that the next generation of winemakers can come along and still be making wine or beautiful wines from these same vineyards, just as we’ve inherited it from our predecessors.
We’re here because Tim Knappstein planted some vines back in 1969 and some of those same vineyards are still in production and still going into this brand today. It is quite a remarkable thing to have the vines that started our brand still in the ground and still reliably producing the grapes that go into today’s top-tier Knappstein wines.”
We’re raising a glass and a cheer to Knappstein’s respect for legacy, insistence upon the daily pursuit of excellence, and commitment to sustainability, which have resulted in 50 (and we anticipate many more) years of accolade-winning wines for them and delicious wine-drinking experiences for us!
The 1878 Transcendence range is available to purchase, enjoy now, or cellar from November 4th onwards, from their Cellar Door, Online Store or via their select suppliers.
To learn more, head to their website and follow their socials; details are below.
All you need to know about Knappstein Winery
What: Knappstein Winery and Cellar Door
Where: 2 Pioneer Ave, Clare SA 5453
Phone: (08) 8841 2100
Website: www.knappstein.com.au
Email: [email protected]
Socials: Facebook | Instagram
Open: 7 days per week, 10am – 4pm
(Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day)
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