COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2020
GRAPE
Grenache
PRODUCER
Thistledown Wines
REGION
South Australia
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
Tannins
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Thistledown was established by Masters of Wine Giles Cooke and Fergal Tynan with a vision to showcase the potential of South Australian Grenache. Sourced from Sue Trott's historic 'Home Block' vineyard in the Blewitt Springs sub-region of McLaren Vale, this wine is a tribute to old-vine preservation. Planted in 1952, these dry-grown bush vines thrive in deep Maslin sands, producing fruit of remarkable concentration and elegance. The name 'Sands of Time' captures both the unique sandy terroir and the decades of history written into these ancient vines.
ALCOHOL
14.5%
AVG. PRICE
€75
STYLE
Classic
VEGAN
YES
SULPHITES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
14-16°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Sourced from Sue Trott's 'Home Block' vineyard, featuring dry-grown bush vines planted in 1952.
Fact 02
Fermented in concrete pyramid vessels using a 'layer cake' method of whole bunches and de-stemmed fruit.
Fact 03
Won the prestigious Trophy at the Global Fine Wine Challenge in 2021.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The winemaking approach is highly minimalist and designed to preserve the delicate, aromatic profile of old-vine Grenache. Grapes are hand-picked early to retain natural acidity. In the winery, 30% to 33% whole bunches are layered with de-stemmed fruit in concrete pyramid fermenters. Fermentation occurs naturally with wild yeasts, utilizing extremely gentle, passive extraction without mechanical pumping. The wine is aged for 10 months in a combination of concrete vessels and neutral oak barrels, and is bottled unfined and unfiltered.
