Thistledown 'She's Electric' Old Vine Grenache, McLaren Vale, Australia 2023

Thistledown is a small, quality-driven project founded by Masters of Wine Giles Cooke and Fergal Tynan, dedicated to showcasing the elegance and transparency of Australia’s finest Grenache sites. Working with prized old-vine vineyards across McLaren Vale and South Australia, the team crafts vibrant, terroir-focused wines that balance purity of fruit with finesse and structure.

• WINEMAKER: Giles Cooke MW & Fergal Tynan

• FARMING: Sustainable farming from dry-grown old bush vines, many between 35–70 years of age.

• VARIETY: 100% Grenache

• TERROIR: Sourced from old-vine Grenache vineyards across McLaren Vale, where sandy and ironstone-rich soils combined with maritime influences from the Gulf St. Vincent yield expressive fruit with natural freshness and fine tannin structure.

• VINIFICATION: Fermented with native yeasts with a portion of whole bunches to enhance aromatic lift and structural complexity.

• AGING: Matured in neutral oak barrels to preserve vibrancy and site expression.

• TASTING NOTES: Aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, and rose petal mingle with hints of spice and dried herbs. The palate is bright and energetic, layered with juicy red berries, subtle savory notes, and silky tannins, finishing fresh and lifted.

• FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled lamb, roasted vegetables, Mediterranean dishes, charcuterie, and herb-driven cuisine.