Schwarz Wine Co. Thiele Road Grenache 2023

The family Grenache block on Thiele Road in Bethany remains one of Jason’s favourite blocks. Jason Schwarz's first vintage of the Thiele Road Grenache was made in 2002 and celebrates his love of this diverse variety. The gnarled, old vines were planted in 1941, and they produce fantastic fruit.

The Thiele Road Grenache vineyard in Bethany was planted by Jason’s great-uncle in 1941 and is owned by the Schwarz family. 

The Thiele Road Grenache fruit was picked on the cool morning of the 29th March 2023. 30% of the fruit was left as whole bunch clusters in the fermenters. Dry ice and lids were placed on the fermenters and natural fermentation started after seven days.

Soft pump overs were carried out daily with foot stomping of the whole clusters occurring towards the end of primary fermentation. The wine was pressed after 34 days on skins and racked to seasoned French oak puncheons to undergo malolactic fermentation. The finished wine was blended early November and bottled late November. No fining or filtration was used.

Grape Variety: Grenache

Region: Bethany, Barossa Valley

Reviews:

94 points, Dave Brooks, Wine Companion

94 points, Vintage Journal 2024

94 points, Tyson Seltzer "Planted in Bethany in 1941, just 2080 bottles express all the character of old vine Barossa grenache. I love the elegance of the cool 2023 season, and this is captured eloquently here in graceful raspberry and strawberry fruit, nuanced with rhubarb and laced together with beautifully fine-grained tannins. Just the right amount of whole bunches (30%) lift its fragrance, spice and structure."