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 this 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.

Viticulture

Although we might be somewhat deluded in our belief that the world is just about to wake up to the delights of Grenache, our extensive travels throught the Rhône and in Spain convinced us that the low yields and meticulous fruit sourcing, Grenache makes world class wine. We are also convinced that, of all of the regions of Australia, the greatest potential for greatness is in the Mc Laren Vale. We therefore set about finding unique plots throughout the region, looking for specific soil formations that would embue the Vagabond with finesse, varietal purity and texture.

Winemaking

Depending on the year a relatively high percentage of whole bunches are left (usually 25-35%), with the rest barely crushed. The must is given a few days cold soak before wild fermentation commences with regular but very gentle punching down and then an extended maceration that varies considerably from year to year. Uninoculated malolactic fermentation takes place in 500 litre barrels, generally one to five years old. Only our favourite few barrels find their way into the Vagabond.

Oak Treatment

Time: 10 Months; Type: French; % oaked: 100; % new oak: 15;

Tasting Note

A beautifully balanced red, this is an unusually elegant take on Grenache with an almost Pinot like delicacy, the wine is violet scented with bright red fruit on the palate, subtle savoury oak and a warm silky finish.

Food Matching

North African influenced foods, jamon and game.