Thistledown- Charming Man Grenache

GRENACHE OF THE YEAR

'If a case still needs to be made for those that doubt McLaren Vale Grenache is inimitable, thrilling and unquestionably world class, then here is Exhibit A. Stunning.’

'Among Australia's very greatest reds.'
Halliday Wine Companion

96 points - Robert Parker Wine Advocate
96 points - JamesSuckling.com
96 points - The Real Review
94 points - The Wine Front

Country: Australia Region: McLaren Vale

Varietal: Grenache Vintage: 2023

Colour: Red Style: Dry

Producer: Thistledown 

This is a wine that is quickly selling out all around the world. The world is beginning to see the value in these Old Vine Grenache, we feel its becoming the rightful heir to some of the premium Pinot Noirs in the market.

On a beautiful hillside in the Clarendon sub-region of McLaren Vale sits a remarkable site that has vines 100 years of age. The entire site is dry-grown bush vines and has been farmed by the same family for 3 generations. This wine is sourced from one particular block where the canopy is raised slightly higher above the ground, allowing for better air circulation and increased radiated sunlight.

The fruit was hand-picked and 20% was retained as whole bunches to be placed on the base of a 2ton open fermenter. Wild fermented and gently hand plunged twice a day during active fermentation. Pressed off to 300-litre hogsheads, of which 20% were new.

Tasting Note: Here, we have blackberry and mulberry, raspberry pip and star anise, layers of coal dust, dirt and graphite, clove and even nutmeg/cinnamon. The tannins are über fine, chalky, grippy and gently chewy. It is a wonderful thing to experience the “feel” of the wine as much as the taste. Interacting with red wine in this way

Food Pairing
A great match for many Asian-style dishes as long as they aren’t too spicy.