Wines Barossa Valley Thistledown Wines - This Charming Man - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Thistledown Wines' "This Charming Man" 2018 hails from the famed Barossa Valley in South Australia, an area celebrated for its expressive and powerful reds. This cuvée is a blend typical of the region, primarily featuring old-vine Grenache with possible blends of Shiraz and Mourvèdre, though Grenache often takes centre stage in Thistledown’s creations. The 2018 vintage benefited from a balanced and relatively moderate growing season, allowing the fruit to ripen evenly and develop both intensity and finesse. Thistledown is known for gentle, minimalist winemaking that preserves the purity of fruit: grapes are hand-picked, often fermented with whole bunches, and matured in seasoned oak to enhance complexity while maintaining vibrancy.

Barossa Valley’s renowned terroir is defined by its Mediterranean climate, with warm, sunny days and cool nights, perfect for developing the concentrated flavours characteristic of the region's reds. The varied soils—ranging from ironstone ridges to sandy clay loams—create a patchwork of microclimates, enabling nuanced expressions of each grape variety. With a long winemaking heritage dating back to the 1840s, Barossa is both steeped in tradition and a hub for innovation, making it one of Australia’s flagship regions.

A Grenache-driven wine like "This Charming Man" rewards pairings with rich and robust dishes. Slow-cooked lamb shoulder or herb-crusted rack of lamb works beautifully, as does game such as duck with cherry sauce. For something regional, consider pairing with an Australian classic like saltbush lamb or a chargrilled kangaroo fillet. Vegetarians might enjoy it alongside smoky aubergine with Middle Eastern spices, or a mushroom and lentil pie.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decant for an hour to reveal its perfumed red fruit, spice, and subtle earthiness. Enjoy now for freshness and energy, or cellar for up to another decade to allow further complexity to unfurl.