While Grenache is quickly becoming a ‘star variety’ in Australian wine, its fairer twin, Grenache Blanc, is still relatively hard to come by. It’s apt that the dynamic duo behind Thistledown, Giles Cook and Fergal Tynan, is leading the charge of this tangy and textured variety, given their penchant for Grenache, and it’s as compelling as its red sibling thanks to a long and cooler than normal growing season. This perky white (90% Grenache Blanc, 6% Zibibbo, 4% Chardonnay) is brimming with aromas of citrus blossom, apple puree and lemon zest kissed with hints of honeysuckle. It’s tightly coiled and tangy on the palate, which works perfectly with the shape and flow of the fruit and the overall texture of the wine and finishes with the crisp, mouthwatering freshness of a mountain stream. The organic fruit was handpicked before whole bunch pressing and wild ferments in both concrete egg and used French oak. No malolactic fermentation, yet four months on lees helped build body. One to try if new to the variety. 12.5% alc. Drink now -2027.

Press Review:

James Halliday Wine Companion: “The faintly grey/brassy hue is that of the variety. An uncommon wine in Australia, but not so in southern France. The wine can be clunky, but not here.” 93 Points