Barossa Valley
100% Semillon
10.5% Alc
177 years old vine
100% Carbonic Macertation, cold ferments and SS maturation
The Cirillo 1850 Semillon is harvested exclusively from a single historic vineyard in Light Pass, Barossa Valley—believed to be the oldest Semillon (Madeira clone) vineyard in the world. As one of the few remaining Madeira vineyards in Australia, it is released under the Semillon varietal name for clarity and regional transparency.
The fruit is handpicked early at around 10 Baumé, preserving high natural acidity. It is basket pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks, with no oak used. The wine is then bottle-aged for five years before release, allowing it to develop complexity and subtle texture while retaining its freshness.
Pale straw with green glints, youthful and pristine in the glass. Bright and focused, displaying lifted aromas of lemon zest, lime leaf, white florals, and fresh herbs. Subtle notes of green apple and crushed stone add depth, reflecting both varietal purity and vineyard character.
Light to medium-bodied, with vibrant natural acidity and precise structure. Flavours of lemon pith, and lime juice are layered with a fine, minerality. A gentle length, hinting at the wine’s capacity for graceful evolution. The restrained alcohol enhances elegance and finesse. Crisp, long, and mineral-driven, leaving the palate clean and refreshed.
Enjoyable now for its purity and drive, this Semillon will age gracefully for up to 20 years, gaining layers of toast, lanolin, honey, and roasted nut complexity.
Cirillo 1850 Ancestor Vine Semillon 2020
In South Australia’s Barossa Valley, Cirillo Estate is where generations of tradition meet a deep respect for the land. Founded in the early 2000s by Marco Cirillo, a first-generation Australian, the winery reflects nine generations of Calabrian winemaking heritage thoughtfully carried into the modern day. At the heart of the estate are vineyards planted in 1848, believed to be the oldest continually producing Semillon and Grenache vines in the world, along with a small parcel of Shiraz planted in the same year.
Set in the sandy soils of Vine Vale, these vines are carefully tended using traditional basket-pruning techniques introduced by Marco’s father, Vincent Cirillo. The vineyard is meticulously cared for. Only four people have pruned these vines in the last 50 years.
In both the vineyard and winery, the approach is simple and considered. Grapes are handpicked, fermentation is wild and natural, and intervention is kept to a minimum. The focus is on allowing the vineyard to speak through each wine, expressing its unique character, history, and sense of place.
Sustainability is vital, with adopting organic principles and long-term environmental care in every step. The goal is to ensure these historic vines continue to thrive for generations to come. This is not just about producing wine. It is about carrying forward a family legacy and respecting the land that makes it all possible. Every stage of the process reflects years of knowledge, tradition, and quiet perseverance.
The estate is a true family effort. Marco, along with his wife Annika Lehmann, is committed to delivering authenticity. Cirillo Wines tells a story of dedication, continuity, and a deep connection to land and tradition.