Tscharke A Thing of Beauty Grenache 2022: Tasting Notes

WINE STYLE → Perfumed, Spicy & Chillable

This is Grenache in its pretty-but-serious era: translucent ruby in the glass, all dewy rose petal and violet at first, then bright cherry and strawberry with a savoury, clay‑earth edge. The palate shifts from perfume to spice, building a dry, grippy finish with persistent tannins that make every sip feel more-ish. Pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes and it turns into the ultimate ‘chillable red’—still powerful, just tighter and fresher.

Highlights

• Certified organic and vegan-suitable
• Crafted by Tscharke — a regenerative Barossa grower-winemaker based in Marananga
• Perfumed Grenache: rose petal, violet, cherry, savoury spice and fine grip
• Hand-picked blocks; concrete fermenters and terracotta amphora ageing
• Gold 95 points (Barossa Wine Show 2022), Gold 95 points (Australian Organic Wine Awards 2023) plus Trophy Best Chillable Red (Australian Organic Wine Awards 2023)
• 15% ABV

Tasting Notes

Expect lifted florals (violet, dried rose petals) over red‑fruit crunch—cherry, wild strawberry and a hint of clay and herbs. It’s ripe and red‑toned rather than jammy, with lively acidity keeping the fruit buoyant. The finish is where it gets addictive: savoury spice, a velvety texture and tannins that linger long after the last sip.

Winemaking

Fruit comes from distinct Grenache blocks, hand‑picked at different times to build layers. Earlier parcels were de‑stemmed and fermented cooler to lock in floral aromatics; later picks were crushed with stalks in concrete fermenters for extra structure. Twice‑daily pump‑overs shaped the ferments, then the wine completed malolactic fermentation before ageing in terracotta amphorae. After blending, it rested on lees for a further eight months with regular bâtonnage, then was filtered before bottling.

Vineyard & Vintage

The 2022 season brought a welcome break after several dry years, with above‑average rainfall and steady growing conditions. A freak hail event in late October reduced yields in parts of the Barossa, but quality remained strong—helping deliver a Grenache that’s elegant, poised and genuinely age‑worthy. Marananga’s Western Ridge elevation and ancient soils add a fine‑boned, savoury edge to the fruit.

Why We Love It

Because it nails that rare balance between finesse and power. You get head‑turning perfume up front, then a serious, spicy backbone that loves food (and doesn’t fall apart when you give it a light chill). It’s also one of those reds that feels instantly delicious now, but has the structure to evolve beautifully over the next decade.

Food Pairing

Grenache’s sweet‑spice and red‑fruit lift loves smoky char, herbs and savoury umami. Think lamb, grilled veg, and tomato‑based dishes with a bit of spice.

Try matching this wine with →

• Duck confit with lentils — Find a Recipe
• Merguez sausages with couscous — Find a Recipe
• Char siu pork with cucumber salad — Find a Recipe

Mood or occasion to match this wine…

Friday-night dinner with friends when you want something red but not heavy. Serve it slightly cool, put out a big platter of lamb or smoky veg, and let the aromatics do the talking.

Cellaring

Delicious now with a light chill, but this wine is built to go the distance. Cellar confidently for 8–12+ years; the florals will shift into dried herbs and savoury spice, and the tannins will feel even silkier. Once open, re‑cork and keep in the fridge—best over 3–5 days.

Producer

Tscharke is led by Damien Tscharke, part of a sixth‑generation farming and wine family on the Western Ridge of the Barossa. He describes himself as a regenerative farmer focused on biodiversity and soil health, crafting bright, aromatic wines that reflect Marananga’s elevation, ancient soils and exceptional micro‑climate. The approach is thoughtful and detail‑driven—from vineyard block selection through to precision winemaking—resulting in wines that feel both modern and unmistakably Barossa.

Related Wines To Try →

Love the perfume-and-spice vibe? Here are three bottles to keep the Grenache (and Grenache-adjacent) theme going.

• Fresh, floral rosé from the same producer — Tscharke Grenache Rosé
• Juicy, savoury Barossa GSM with seasoned oak polish — Kalleske Clarry's Grenache Shiraz Mataro
• Preservative-free Grenache with vibrant berry fruit — Organic Hill Founders Preservative Free Grenache

FAQ

What does Tscharke A Thing of Beauty Grenache taste like?

Think dewy rose petal and violet over bright cherry and strawberry, finishing dry with savoury spice and a grippy, persistent tannin line. It’s perfumed and elegant, but there’s real Barossa power underneath.

Is this wine organic or preservative-free?

This wine is certified organic and vegan-suitable. It isn’t listed as preservative-free, so it’s made in a conventional (but mindful) way for sulphites within organic standards.

Does this wine contain preservatives (also called sulphites)?

Most wines contain some naturally occurring sulphites, and many also have a small addition at bottling for stability. If you’re avoiding preservatives completely, choose a wine marked “No Added Preservative” on our site. Learn more about preservative in wine

Should I chill this Grenache?

Yes—this is brilliant slightly cool. Aim for 14–16°C (about 15–25 minutes in the fridge) to make the florals pop and the finish feel extra fresh.

Do I need to decant it?

Not essential, but a quick decant helps if you’re drinking it at room temp. Give it 20–30 minutes to let the spice and savoury layers unfurl.

What food pairs well with this wine?

Lamb (kofta, cutlets or slow-cooked shoulder) is a classic, but it’s equally good with smoky veg like charred eggplant, mushrooms, and tomato-based pasta sauces. Add herbs and a touch of spice and it really sings.

How should I serve it?

Use a medium to large red wine glass, and serve slightly cool if you can. This keeps the wine lively and highlights the perfumed aromatics.

How long will it last after opening?

Re-seal and store in the fridge, and it should drink well for around 3–5 days. The aromatics are best in the first couple of days.

Can this wine be cellared?

Absolutely. It’s already gorgeous, but it will cellar confidently for 8–12+ years, developing more savoury, herbal complexity while the tannins knit together.

Who will love this wine?

If you like fragrant, lighter-looking reds that still have structure—think elegant Grenache, Nebbiolo-lite vibes, or spicy, savoury Pinot drinkers looking for more grip—this is your match. It’s also a great “gateway” chillable red for anyone who usually reaches for rosé.

(SKU: TC_GRE_CV)