Home to the Oldest Shiraz Vines in the World
Langmeil Wines is one of the most iconic wineries in the Barossa Valley, a region synonymous with Australia’s finest wines. Steeped in history, Langmeil is a name that resonates with tradition, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the land. From its beginnings in the mid-19th century to its current status as a producer of world class wines, Langmeil has stayed true to its roots while embracing innovation.
Langmeil is celebrated for preserving the world's oldest surviving Shiraz vines. The vineyard, known as the Freedom 1843 block, was planted in 1843 by early German settlers, making it the oldest continually producing Shiraz vines globally. These ancient, pre phylloxera vines offer a rare glimpse into wine history, yielding low but intensely flavored fruit. Langmeil’s commitment to heritage viticulture ensures that each vintage reflects the unique, concentrated character of these old vines. The resulting wines are complex, rich, and offer a remarkable taste of Australia's winemaking legacy.
The History of Langmeil Wines
The story of Langmeil Wines begins in the early 1840s when German immigrants settled in South Australia’s Barossa Valley. Among these settlers was Christian Auricht, who fled religious persecution in his homeland and arrived in the Barossa with his family. In 1842, Auricht established a small settlement named Langmeil, which means "long mile" in German, reflecting the expansive fields that characterized the area.
By the 1860s, the Barossa Valley had become a thriving agricultural hub, and Auricht planted the first vines on his land. These early plantings included Shiraz, a grape that would later become the signature varietal of the region. Langmeil’s early vineyards laid the foundation for what would become some of the oldest surviving Shiraz vines in the world.
The modern iteration of Langmeil Wines began in 1996 when local businessman Richard Lindner, together with winemaker Paul Lindner and their friend Carl Lindner, purchased the historic property. The trio embarked on a mission to restore the old vineyards, preserving the heritage vines that had survived for more than a century. Their efforts paid off, as the vineyard restoration led to the production of Langmeil’s flagship wine, The Freedom 1843 Shiraz, named in honor of the original Shiraz vines planted by Christian Auricht.
Crafting Wines with a Sense of Place
Langmeil’s commitment to quality begins in the vineyard. The winery owns and manages over 100 hectares of premium vineyards in the Barossa Valley, including some of the oldest vine plantings in Australia. The jewel of Langmeil’s vineyard holdings is the Freedom Vineyard, home to Shiraz vines dating back to 1843. These ancient vines are among the oldest continuously producing Shiraz vines in the world, and they play a crucial role in defining the character of Langmeil’s wines.
Sustainable Viticulture: Langmeil practices sustainable viticulture, focusing on minimal intervention to maintain the health of the vines and the soil. Cover crops, natural composts, and careful water management are employed to enhance biodiversity and promote vine longevity. The winery’s approach is rooted in a philosophy of working in harmony with nature, respecting the unique terroir of each vineyard site.
Winemaking Techniques: Langmeil’s winemaking process is a blend of tradition and innovation. Winemaker Paul Lindner is dedicated to preserving the varietal purity and regional characteristics of the Barossa Valley. Grapes are handpicked to ensure only the finest fruit is used, and fermentation often involves indigenous yeasts, which add complexity and a true sense of place to the wines.
The winery employs both traditional open fermenters and modern stainless-steel tanks, depending on the desired style of the wine. The use of French and American oak barrels is carefully managed to enhance the wines’ flavor profiles without overpowering the fruit. Langmeil’s commitment to extended barrel aging allows the wines to develop additional complexity and depth before they are released to the market.
Chief Winemaker Paul Lindner
Langmeil Wines, owes much of its success to its head winemaker, Paul Lindner. Growing up in the heart of the Barossa, Lindner was immersed in the region’s rich winemaking traditions from an early age. His journey began with hands-on experience at small local wineries before joining Langmeil in 1996, where he quickly made his mark.
Lindner's winemaking philosophy centers around showcasing the true character of the vineyard and its fruit. He is dedicated to minimal intervention, allowing the unique terroir of the Barossa Valley to shine through in every bottle. By blending traditional techniques with modern innovations, he crafts wines that are expressive, balanced, and reflective of the region’s heritage. His focus on old-vine Shiraz and respect for sustainable practices has solidified Langmeil's reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality and longevity, celebrated by wine lovers and critics alike.
Signature Wines: A Portfolio of Excellence
Langmeil’s portfolio includes a range of premium wines, with a focus on classic Barossa Valley varietals such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache. Among the most notable wines are:
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The Freedom 1843 Shiraz: The flagship wine of Langmeil, The Freedom 1843 Shiraz is made from ancient vines planted by Christian Auricht. This wine is the epitome of Barossa Valley Shiraz, offering intense dark fruit flavors, velvety tannins, and remarkable depth. It is consistently praised for its elegance, balance, and ability to age gracefully for decades.
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Orphan Bank Shiraz: The Orphan Bank Shiraz is a tribute to the heritage of Barossa’s old vines. The grapes come from a collection of ancient Shiraz vines that were saved from destruction and transplanted to Langmeil’s vineyard. This wine showcases a beautiful blend of ripe blackberries, spices, and mocha, with a rich, lingering finish.
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Valley Floor Shiraz: One of Langmeil’s most popular wines, the Valley Floor Shiraz is crafted from a selection of vineyards across the Barossa Valley. It offers a classic expression of the region, with bold flavors of plum, blackberry, and pepper, complemented by well-integrated oak.
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The Fifth Wave Grenache: A celebration of the Barossa’s old vine Grenache, The Fifth Wave Grenache is a medium-bodied wine with a bouquet of red berries, spices, and floral notes. It is a refined and elegant wine that reflects the quality of the Barossa’s ancient Grenache vineyards.
Awards and Accolades
Langmeil Wines has received numerous accolades over the years, solidifying its reputation as one of Australia’s top wineries. Some of the most prestigious awards include:
- The Freedom 1843 Shiraz has consistently received high scores from wine critics and publications, including 95+ points from Wine Spectator and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. It has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Wines of the Year by leading wine magazines multiple times.
- Orphan Bank Shiraz has also garnered international acclaim, winning gold medals at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) and the Decanter World Wine Awards.
- Valley Floor Shiraz has been praised for its outstanding value and quality, often receiving scores above 90 points from critics such as James Halliday and Wine Enthusiast.
- In 2018, Langmeil was awarded the Best Australian Producer at the Mundus Vini International Wine Awards, a testament to the winery’s consistent excellence across its entire portfolio.
Langmeil Wines stands as a beacon of tradition and quality in the Barossa Valley. Its dedication to preserving the region’s winemaking heritage, coupled with a commitment to sustainable practices and innovative techniques, has resulted in wines that are celebrated worldwide. From the ancient vines of The Freedom Vineyard to the vibrant expressions of Barossa terroir found in each bottle, Langmeil’s wines are a true reflection of the passion and history that define this remarkable winery.
Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning your journey into the world of fine wines, exploring Langmeil’s offerings provides a taste of the very best that the Barossa Valley has to offer. With a legacy spanning over 175 years and a future focused on quality and innovation, Langmeil Wines continues to be a shining star in Australia’s wine industry.