{"product_id":"thistledown-thorny-devil-grenache","title":"Thistledown 'Thorny Devil' Grenache, McLaren Vale, Australia","description":"\u003cp\u003ePerfumed, spicy and remarkably supple, 2023 Thistledown 'Thorny Devil' Grenache captures the fresher side of old-vine McLaren Vale. Fruit comes from old, dry-grown, bush-trained vines across several subregions, with earlier picking helping preserve fragrance and energy through the unusually cool 2023 season. Wild fermentation, varying portions of whole bunches and deliberately gentle extraction build layers without sacrificing delicacy, while seasoned French oak keeps the focus firmly on Grenache. Red berries, pomegranate, spice and dried herbs unfold across a silky, finely structured palate with the combination of aromatic intensity and effortless drinkability that defines contemporary McLaren Vale Grenache.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFounder, Winemaker \u0026amp; Proprietor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Giles Cooke MW\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCo-Founder:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fergal Tynan MW\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrape Variety:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100% Grenache\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVineyards:\u003c\/strong\u003e Multiple old-vine sites, all dry-grown and bush-trained\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoils:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sandy, mineral-strewn soils\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Handpicked, with an emphasis on earlier picking for freshness and balance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFermentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wild fermentation with varying percentages of whole bunches in every ferment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtraction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very light extraction focused on infusion rather than heavy extraction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAging:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 8 months in seasoned 300- and 500-liter French oak\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlcohol:\u003c\/strong\u003e 14%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.32\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTotal Acidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.43 g\/L\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eResidual Sugar:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 g\/L\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTotal SO2:\u003c\/strong\u003e 83 mg\/L\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDietary:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable for vegetarians and vegans\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSensory Description:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHighly perfumed and layered, with wild raspberry, cranberry and pomegranate joined by rose, red cherry and an intriguing savory edge. White pepper, clove, dried thyme and cassia bring spice and complexity, while hints of tamarind, mint and rhubarb add further dimension. The palate is silky and energetic, with concentrated red fruit carried by finely woven tannins rather than weight. Gentle extraction and seasoned oak preserve Grenache's fragrance and transparency, leading to a long, supple finish marked by red fruit, spice and persistent savory detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Accolades:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points \u0026amp; Special Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points:\u003c\/strong\u003e JamesSuckling.com\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Wine Front\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points:\u003c\/strong\u003e Robert Parker Wine Advocate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJudges' Choice:\u003c\/strong\u003e TEXSOM 2024\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThistledown was founded in 2010 by Masters of Wine Giles Cooke and Fergal Tynan with a focus on the historic vineyards and old vines of South Australia. Giles Cooke MW serves as Founder, Winemaker \u0026amp; Proprietor, working closely with growers and directing harvest and winemaking. Grenache has become central to the estate's identity, with an approach built around earlier picking, wild fermentation, whole bunches, gentle extraction and restrained oak to emphasize perfume, texture, freshness and vineyard character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServing Suggestions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThorny Devil's fragrant red fruit, savory spice and silky tannins make it a versatile partner for charcuterie, grilled or roasted lamb, game meats and other simply prepared grilled meats. Its freshness and moderate extraction also allow it to work particularly well with spice-driven dishes where a heavier red might overwhelm the food.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Buena Vida Wine \u0026 Spirits","offers":[{"title":"2023 \/ 750mL","offer_id":67587206578231,"sku":null,"price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2699\/1632\/files\/Thistledown_Thorny_Devil_Grenache_McLaren_Vale_Australia_2023.png?v=1792037262","url":"https:\/\/www.winedispensary.com\/products\/thistledown-thorny-devil-grenache","provider":"Wine Dispensary","version":"1.0","type":"link"}