More than wine there is passion and this helps to achieve great things.
Everything is changing this days and Penley Estate winery is always in continuous transformation. Bellow you can see why!
If you are an importer looking for good quality and unique wines you can’t miss this opportunity!!!
Interview of Ang Tolley – Owner – Peneley Estate for AsiaImportNews – Exclusive
Could you please tell us the story of your winery, when it was created and how it developped decades after decades ?
Our history in the wine industry goes back to two wine pionering families – the Tolley family, makers of brandy and wine and the Penfold family who began making wines in 1844 in Adelaide.
Our parents married and the Penfold and Tolley names were distilled to form a company namely Penley Estate. In 1988, the three children of the union – brought land in Coonawarra and established the wine brand of Penley Estate with the dream of producing some beautiful cabernets.
Over the past 30 years Penley has produced award winning wines recognised throughout the world.
In 2015, Kym Tolley retired as managing Director – and his two sisters Ang & Bec bought his share of the company and took on the reins of the business following in the footsteps of some of their illustrious female ancestors.
We are commited to the Estate showing off what contempory Coonawarra Cabernet is, truly one of the most recognised red wine regions of Australia
What sort of wines are you producing ?
Apart from making Cabernet Sauvignon, we also grow Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. We like to use the influences of the great Bordeaux makers and those of the New World to make our Estate truly shine.
All are bottled under the Penley Estate name – the range includes three tiers ; Mythology, Heritage and Estate. Each level captures the best of the fruit grown and appeals to different drinkers for all occassions.
We will be releasing our Helios – as best of estate wine for the 2015. This wine will only be released when our wine maker, Kate Goodman, deems the parcel special enough to be released under this label.
How important is your export distribution compared to national distribution ?
Export is extremely important to our business strategy – but we still believe in a balanced approach between domestic and export sales. We export to over 12 different countries but believe our domestic exposure is equally important as our overseas markets. In truth, it is a balancing act. It would be hard to imagine a vineyard and winery as large as ours not having a global outlook and footprint.
What sort of distributors are your customers ?
We have recently partnered with Global V wines in China. Global V is an exciting, marketing orientated business that we believe is set to truly invigourate the selling and drinking of wine in China. Our distribution footprint in China – will greatly increase. Its an incredibly exciting time for us.
Equally, we are fortunate enough to have some of the best distributors in other regions of Asia ; Malaysia (Nam Lee Cheong), Vietnam (Le’Celliers), Indonesia (Commodore Trading), Cambodian (Le’Celliers) and Singapore who we have been partners with for many years.
Why your wines are different from other wineries in your area ?
We believe that great wines begin in the vineyard. David Paxton, a well respected viticulturalist (and Ang’s husband), has been engaged to make this a constant challenge to improve. To be a great wine, the vineyard is the place where it is truly captured.
His inputs are more and more evident every vintage, producing fruit that is truly reflective of our ‘place’, allowing our winemaker to make wines with freshness, character and balance.
Kate Goodman, our new winemaker is a well known and highly regarded wine maker who also believes that wines must reflect its fruit source. Kate brings her unique abilities to create some new and exciting Cabernets and Cabernet blends, bringing fresh eyes and enthusiasm.
Do you produce grapes in a organic or environmental friendly method, or with general methods ?
We are fortunate to have David Paxton as a part of the Penley Estate team, being regarded as one of McLaren Vales pioneers of organics and bio-dynamics is assiting us with our vineyard improvement.
We have made many changes in our management of the vineyard – from differing watering regimes to pruning styles. This is a part of the on-going challenge we have set ourselves.
As part of this process we are very mindful of taking care of the resource, environment, people and vineyards, each of which impact the outcome of the wines in very unique ways. We hope to convert to organic/biodynamic in the very near future.
Are your wines already distributed in Asia, and if not what are the countries you are looking for new distributors ?
As mentioned we are now in partnership with Global V in China. We have distribution in Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia and Vietnam. But always are on the lookout for new distribution in areas of Asia we are not, as yet represented.
Is there anything you want to add about your wines, story or any news ?
Since my sister and I have taken on Penley Estate we have made many changes – from our new and exciting rebranding to a new national distribution partnerships. With the engagement of Kate Goodman – and her brilliant ability to translate great vines in to great wines we are already seeeing the accolades.
Recently we received 92 points for our Phoenix cabernet from Cambell Mattison of The Wine Front. Further, our Atlas Shiraz, was awarded double gold recently in the China Wine and Spirits awards whilst our Steynning Cabernet received a gold.
Very exciting times !!!
Special thanks to Ang Tolley , from Penley Estate winery for your answers and time !
For all importers
Winery Penley Estate https://www.penley.com.au/
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