Thistledown This Charming Man Grenache 2023 (6 Bottles) Adelaide Hills

AUSTRALIA WIDE SHIPPING INCLUDED

Nestled on a beautiful hillside in the Clarendon sub-region of McLaren Vale, this exceptional Grenache is a testament to three generations of the Smart family’s dedication. The 2023 vintage, a tribute to the late Bernard Smart, captures the essence of their century-old vines.

The vineyard, with its 100-year-old dry-grown bush vines, is a marvel. Planted in the picturesque Clarendon area, the vines benefit from raised canopies, enhancing air circulation and sunlight exposure. This meticulous farming approach has been maintained by the Smart family for generations, ensuring the highest quality fruit.

Hand-picked on April 4th, the grapes were carefully transported to the winery. Twenty percent of the fruit was retained as whole bunches and placed at the base of a 2-ton open fermenter. The wine underwent wild fermentation, with gentle hand plunging twice daily during active fermentation. It was then pressed off into 300-liter hogsheads, 20% of which were new.

The 2023 Clarendon Grenache exudes a muscular yet elegant profile. Silky black fruits are seamlessly intertwined with deep, rich, warming spices, offering a hint of violet, mineral nuances, and black cherry undertones. This wine is a fitting homage to Bernard Smart, perfect for raising a glass in his memory.