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Teusner Wines came into being late in
2001 when Kym Teusner witnessed a conversation between
his girlfriend’s uncle and his brother. They
were discussing the viability of an old Grenache vineyard,
planted in the Northern Barossa Valley by their grandfather.
The low yields and low prices being paid by the ‘Big
Boys’ meant that the vineyard was running at
a loss and was facing certain destruction! Kym was
loath to hear this and approached his brother in law,
now business partner, to see if they could scratch
together enough cash to keep these gnarled old vines
in the ground. In that first year they raised enough
capital for only about a quarter of the fruit from
that vineyard, but this was enough for the Riebke
brothers to stall their plans for these precious old
vines. They were aware of a few other old blocks that
fruit could be sourced from, if required, and made
the first release with 165 cases of 2002 Joshua. In
addition to this about 8 hogsheads of Grenache, Mataro
and Shiraz was put aside, destined to be released
around 24 months later as Avatar.
Kym Teusner graduated from the University
of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Science (Oenology Major)
in 2001. He was focused upon returning to the Barossa
and experimenting with Rhone varieties that grow so
well there. Once finished his studies, this drive
led him to work with several high profile producers
of Rhone style wines whilst working on the launch
of his own label.
Michael Page grew up on his family
vineyard in the south Australian Riverland town of
Barmera. In his early 20s he purchased his own 30
acre plot of old vines and consistently produced fruit
worthy of top bonuses. The ‘90s took their toll
on this venture, however, and when growers started
getting paid for their fruit in brandy spirit Michael
decided it was time to look to greener pastures. He
began developing vineyards for other people which
led him to settle in the Barossa Valley.
Our philosophy is to produce only
exceptional, affordable wines by being very selective
about the fruit that we source from old, well maintained
vineyards. These vineyards reliably produce balanced,
complex fruit which we guide, with minimal inputs,
into wine. Our fruit sources are predominantly family
and close friends, which allows us this selectivity
in which fruit we vinify.
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