Thistledown Sands of Time Grenache 2024

Thistledown sources this Grenache from McLaren Vale in South Australia, a warm maritime region whose deep sandy and ironstone soils suit the variety well. Grenache ripens late and accumulates sugar readily here, which accounts for the 14.5% alcohol, while the gulf breezes and cooler nights preserve acidity and keep the fruit fresh rather than baked. The wine spends ten months split between concrete and barrel. Concrete is neutral and lets the pure fruit and the sandy minerality come through, while the seasoned barrel softens tannin through slow oxygen exchange without adding obvious oak flavour. The result is a red of medium to full body. The colour is bright ruby. The nose leads with ripe raspberry and red plum, with black pepper, dried thyme and a stony, earthy undertone. The palate is generous but dry, the tannins fine and the finish carrying liquorice and savoury herb. Grenache from sand tends towards this lifted, perfumed style rather than heavy extraction. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, and a short decant helps the aromatics open. It suits slow-cooked lamb and roasted vegetables.