Thistledown, Gorgeous Grenache White, South Australia, Australia, 2023

Producer Profile

Thistledown was founded by Master of Wine, Giles Cooke who had a vision for a more elegant, textural interpretation of Australian wine.

Initial explorations resulted in access to many of the best vineyards, many of which were the previously unloved Old Vine Grenache. Incredible, historic fruit sources coupled with Giles’ increasingly adept efforts has quickly resulted in a reputation for being amongst the best in the country. Narrating the stories of these wines to an increasingly attentive global audience is Giles’ heartfelt commitment and mission.

Viticulture

The Grenache Blanc all came from a pioneering planting in the Riverland while the Chardonnay was sourced from an older Eden Valley site.

Winemaking

Oxidative handling before a wild ferment in both concrete egg and used French barrels. No MLF and maturation on lees for 4 months helped increase texture prior to bottling.

Tasting Note

Grenache is Australia’s signature grape variety and we’re slightly obsessed with it. The white version is still rare in Australia but capable of beautifully textured, citrus laced wines of great drinkability. An explosion of flavour meets suave, seductive personality! Bright, tangy citrus laced fruit with hints of honeysuckle and lemon balm. Taut, yet textured and complex, this is a beautifully crafted white that breaks the mould.

Food Matching

Excellent with summer salads, grilled chicken satay, sea bass.

Awards

James Suckling 91 Points
The best vintage of this super value wine. Mid-weighted and very expressive, delivering a textural loom of viscosity and phenolics, unravelling an edgy thread of freshly cut mint, yellow plum, guava and a truss of dried herb strewn across a long weave. A wine for the drinker who prizes texture as much as the one who gets a thrill from more obvious fruit. Drink or hold briefly. Screw cap. 91 Points, Nov 2023.