Thistledown, The Quickening Shiraz, Eden & Ebenezer, Barossa Valley, South Australia, 2019

Producer Profile

Ever since historic Scots, James Busby and John MacArthur founded the Australian wine industry in the early 19th century, the relationship between Scotland and Australia has been an enduring one.

Guardians of a long history, Thistledown Wine Co. continues the tradition of Scottish ingenuity and great Australian wine. From their small-batch winery in the idyllic Adelaide Hills, they work with pristine fruit sourced from iconic vineyard sites. Giles Cooke MW and Fergal Tynan MW, with the helping hand of Peter Leske, craft lithe, energetic wines that illustrate the benefits of great sites and intelligent, low-intervention winemaking. Giles and Fergal share a particular passion for Grenache and, in ever more detail, Thistledown continue to unpick the rich patchwork of South Australian Grenache – reassembling it in their own inimitable style. This unique blend of superb fruit sources and experience in both the New and the Old Worlds helps craft wine of subtlety, texture and detail – wines perfectly suited to complement rather than overwhelm fine food. In one of the most geologically diverse regions in the world, Grenache thrives but has not always been valued – until now.

Viticulture

Joel Mattschoss' Eden Valley vineyard provides the majority of the fruit. This spectacular vineyard is planted on some of the most difficult, meagre soils of any we have seen. Littered with boulders composed of ironstone and pink quartz, it is a truly challenging site. Vineyards are trellised, cordon trained and spur pruned. The 3 component parts of this wine are made in a similarly low intervention manner. Hand picking, a percentage of whole bunches and wild ferments all play their role in ensuring that this wine is full of energy and life.

Winemaking

The 3 component parts of this wine are made in a similarly low intervention manner. Hand picking, a percentage of whole bunches and wild ferments all play their role in ensuring that this wine is full of energy and life.

Oak Treatment

Time: 6 Months
Type: French
% wine oaked: 100
% new oak: None

Tasting Note

A deliciously vibrant style of Barossa Shiraz with succulent raspberry and blackcurrant fruit, hints of spice and elegant, glossy texture.

Food Matching

Crispy aromatic duck, roast rib of beef.