Product Description
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Schwarz Wine Co., Thiele Road, Grenache, 2022, Barossa Valley, South Australia (Copy)
Producer Profile
While not holding any formal qualifications in winemaking, Jason’s appetite for the subject was voracious and he was lucky to learn from some of the Barossa’s finest winemakers until finally, after some encouragement from friends he approached his father to discuss buying a small parcel of the fruit from the 2001 vintage. He agreed and Jason put together his first Nitschke Block Shiraz, making only two hogs head barrels. In 2002 Jason produced his first Thiele Road Grenache and have made both wines every vintage since. To this day Jason’s parents have supported his venture and without their encouragement and the sacrifice of some of the Barossa’s greatest Shiraz and Grenache he could not have made this dream happen.
Relationships with some of the Barossa’s finest vignerons have grown over the years and having access to some of the region’s best old-vine fruit allows Jason to take a hands-off, intuitive approach in the winery.
Jason’s minimal intervention winemaking style enables him to create small-batch wines that are not mainstream – they are new-age expressions of Barossa classics, designed to allow the fruit to speak for itself and tell a story through the glass.
Viticulture
The family Grenache block on Thiele Road in Bethany remains one of Jason’s favourite blocks. The Thiele Road Grenache was the second wine made by Jason Schwarz and celebrates his love of this diverse variety.
Thiele Road is a dusty track that crosses Bethany Creek at the foot of the Barossa Ranges. It is home to Jason Schwarz’s family’s deep rooted Grenache vines that produce wines with complex flavours and plenty of character.
The gnarled, old vines were planted in 1941 and they produce fantastic fruit.
Winemaking
The vines are handpicked, 10% whole bunch and the remainder de-stemmed and into an open fermenter. Before too long the wild yeast population on the grapes kicks off fermentation and that continues with daily gentle pump overs and hand plunging until fermentation is complete and the flavour profile is just right. The wine is then basket pressed and matured in seasoned French oak for 18 months before bottling. Not filtered or fined.
Tasting Note
Great colour of clear crimson; this is Barossa Valley Grenache on its best behaviour, with a glorious abundance of sweet red fruits, spice and earth with beautiful balance and structure. Medium weighted with fine acidity. A wine built on complexity and packed with interest.
Goes well with
Creamy cauliflower and blue cheese pappardelle.
Cellaring
Will continue to improve with careful cellaring for 10-15 years.
Don’t just take our word for it…
“This is an intriguing, full-weighted wine of compelling dry extract and savory, forceful length. Far from the archetype, or at least what I had construed that to be in these parts. Smoky and ferruginous, with aromas of Islay peat from a wild ferment and old vine je ne sais quoi. A darker brood, lathered with clove, anise, brush smoke and iodine, over the usual red fruited paradigm. The finish, biltong meaty and a tad drying. That said, this may well be reduction as the wine opens beautifully with time, boasting oodles of personality. Drink or hold.” – Ned Goodwin MW- James Suckling (August 2023), 94 pts
93 Points – James Halliday Wine Companion
Features
Varieties: Grenache 100%
Colour: Red
ABV: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Style: Still Wine
Case Size: 6 x 75cl
Country: Australia
Region: Barossa Valley
Vintage: 2019
