Tasting notes for Tscharke A Thing of Beauty Grenache 2021 from the Winery

Beautiful translucent ruby colour. The bouquet is both floral and fruity, with undertones of spices. Dewy rose petal, cherry and a ripe, almost stewed strawberry character are complemented by subtle savoury hints. This wine possesses the most seductive aromatics. The palate tells a similar story, but in a very different tone. Spices dominate here. The prettiness and delicacy give way to grip and concentration. Savoury tannins persist and elevate the red fruit to a new level of complexity. What truly defines this Grenache is the balance between finesse and power. Explosive right now, it will age gracefully for over a decade. Decant and enjoy.

Vintage Notes

Deep soaking winter rains that trickled into spring provided a spectacular start to the growing season. The moist soils minimised the threat of frosts, followed with a mild spring at bud break made for a promising start to an incredible vintage. Despite its dryness, the growing season was relatively mild. Warm days, cool nights and little to no disease pressure gave rise to fruit rich in flavour and naturally high acid, all with relatively modest sugar levels. The wines produced from 2021 will drink well young and many, if allowed, will cellar well to remind us of the great vintage. One of the best vintages in the recent decade.

Winemaking

From distinct Grenache blocks hand-picked at different times to create layers and complexity right from the vineyard. The early grapes were de-stemmed and fermented colder to retain floral aromatics. The later picked fruit was de-stemmed and crushed on top of its own stalks in concrete fermenters. After inoculation, the ferments were managed with twice daily pump overs. Allowed to peak (in temperature) early, before being chilled and kept below 22C.

Once sugar-dry the ferments were bag pressed to tank to complete MLF, before being transferred to terracotta amphorae, to undergo élevage. The blending of the different components was done in early August, then the wine was left in terracotta on lees for a further 8 months and bi-monthly bâtonnaged. Filtered prior to bottling.

Technical Details:

Alcohol 14.5%

pH 3.46

Acidity 6 g/L

Vegan Friendly
Certified Organic 

(SKU: TC_GRE_CV)