Wild & Wilder, The Unforgettable Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro, South Australia, Australia, 2022

Producer Profile

by Thistledown is all about good clean fun. Working hand in hand with their merry (in a good season) band of growers, they craft wines of supreme quality but don’t take it all too seriously.

Great fruit, grown by great people and made with a lot of love by people that know that wine is all about the good times, delicious food and creating great memories. Founded by Giles Cooke MW & Fergal Tynan MW, who also make the Thistledown wines, the mundane is just not in their DNA. Being involved in every stage of the winemaking process from bud burst to bottle means that every bottle from Wild & Wilder is an experience you’ll want to try again.

Viticulture

Fruit sourcing relies on a range of mature sites across South Australia, with focus on balanced, modest yields and sustainable viticultural practices. Langhorne Creek is often overlooked in favour of the more glitzy McLaren Vale and Barossa but it is a region with over 160 years history and some remarkable old vineyards. Situated on a flood plain close to the impressive Lake Alexandrina, the dry grown old Grenache vines produce tight bunches of well balanced, succulent fruit. Shiraz on a higher trellis system helps fruit health and balance. The Mataro is from old, trellised vines in South Australia's Riverland.

Winemaking

Vinification, as one might expect with good fruit, is very simple. The Grenache was picked in early morning before arrival at the winery where it underwent a very gentle crush and then an open ferment with twice daily pump-overs. Extended time on skins post ferment was followed by pressing and then maturation on French oak. Additions of perfectly balanced Langhorne Creek Shiraz and old vine Mataro were made and the final blend achieved with the focus on bright, exuberant yet crunchy fruit. The wine spends 4 months in older French oak.

Oak Ageing

Time: 4 Months
Type: French Oak
% wine oaked: 100
% new oak: None

Tasting Note

The Unforgettable is a generous blend of 3 varieties (Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro), all of whom are long-term friends that know the benefits of teamwork. Working in cahoots, they produce a wine with succulent red berry fruit with hints of spice and chocolate. A clever, friendly wine that is indeed truly Unforgettable.

Food Matching

Sharing plates, charcuterie, rustic braised meats.