Schulz Vignerons

Marcus and Roslyn Schulz are the fifth generation of one of the best-known (extended) wine families in the Barossa Valley. Four generations of grapegrowing and winemaking precede them, but in 2002 they went down a new path by initiating ‘biological farming' of the 50+yo wines. They have moved away from irrigation and extensive spraying and now the vines are virtually dry-grown, producing generous yields of high quality grapes, using natural nitrogen created by the active soil biology, and minimal chemical input. The vineyard is planted to 12 varieties, shiraz, mourvedre, grenache and cabernet sauvignon leading the band. As might be imagined, the lion's share of the grapes is sold to other makers in the Barossa. -JAMES HALLIDAY