Curtis Ancestor
A tribute to generations past, Curtis Ancestor honours the rich heritage and tradition of the Curtis Family. This McLaren Vale Shiraz is a finely crafted expression of legacy, passion, and place. Elegant, bold, and deeply rooted in history – it’s a wine that tells a timeless story with every glass.
Curtis Ancestor
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Our winemaking heritage traces back to 1471, when Paolo Curtis began cultivating vines on the original Curtis Family Vineyards estate, “La Cavata,” near Cassino in Central Italy.
Crafted in honour of the generations of dedication and resilience that brought us to today, The Ancestor Shiraz is a heartfelt celebration of our roots.
Sourced from 80-year-old vines, the fruit is hand-picked, gently destemmed, and cold-soaked on skins for 14 days, followed by a slow 14-day fermentation—allowing for a gradual extraction of colour, fine tannins, and deep flavour.
The wine is then softly pressed and transferred to a blend of French and American oak barrels, where it matures for 24 months. During this time, it evolves into a beautifully layered and harmonious expression of craftsmanship.
The Ancestor Shiraz opens with enticing aromas of ripe red berries, vanilla, and coconut. On the palate, it delivers a full-bodied experience rich with flavours of red berries, chocolate, spice, and coconut, balanced by sweet mid-palate notes and seamlessly integrated oak. The finish is long, smooth, and marked by silky tannins.
This Australian wine is a soulful tribute to our enduring family legacy and the timeless art of winemaking.
Best National Producer Of The Year 2024
AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge
Trophy - AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge - Vintage 2021
Gold Medal - AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge - Vintage 2021
Gold Medal - London Wine Competition - Vintage 2020
Gold Medal - Melbourne International Wine Competition - Vintage 2021
Gold Medal - AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge - Vintage 2020
97 points - Sam Kim Wine Orbit - Vintage 2021
97 points - Sam Kim Wine Orbit - Vintage 2018
96 points - Ken Gargett - The Wine Pilot - Vintage 2021
96 points - Ray Jordan - The Wine Pilot - Vintage 2021
95 points - Mike Bennie - Australian Wine Business Magazine - Vintage 2021
95 points - Bob Campbell, The Real Review - Vintage 2021
95 points - Australian Wine Showcase - Vintage 2021
95 points - John Clark - The Wine Panel - Vintage 2020
95 points - Stuart Knox, The Real Review - Vintage 2018
94 points - Melbourne International Wine Competition - Vintage 2021
94 points - Ray Jordan - The Wine Pilot - Vintage 2020
94 points - Andy Lloyd - The Wine Panel - Vintage 2020
94 points - London Wine Competition - Vintage 2020
94 points - Ken Gargett - The Wine Pilot - Vintage 2020
94 points - Bob Campbell, The Real Review - Vintage 2018
93 points - Ned Goodwin - Vintage 2021
93 points - Ken Gargett Wine Pilot - Vintage 2021
93 points - Aaron Brasher, The Real Review - Vintage 2021
93 points - Stuart Knox, The Real Review - Vintage 2020
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What makes Curtis wines a great choice for weddings?Our wines offer premium quality at accessible prices, crafted to impress a wide range of palates—perfect for large gatherings and celebrations.
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Is your GSM wine available for purchase online or only at the cellar door?Our GSM wines are available both online and at selected stockists locally and internationally.
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What makes Curtis Family Vineyards one of the best local wineries in McLaren Vale?Curtis Family Vineyards combines generations of Italian winemaking heritage with premium McLaren Vale terroir, offering award-winning wines and a personalized tasting experience and that's how it produces the best Australian Wines as well as considered the best Local wineries in McLaren Vale.
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Do you offer local wine tastings or tours at the vineyard?Yes, wine tasting tours are available by appointment and can be tailored to private groups, wedding parties, or events.
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What is a GSM blend, and do you produce one at Curtis Family Vineyards?A GSM blend is a red wine made from Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvèdre. Yes, Curtis Family Vineyards offers a bold and well-balanced GSM that reflects the character of McLaren Vale.