-
Description
Grenache is currently experiencing a golden era in Australia.
A truckload of Australian producers are finally giving the variety its due. From the sandy soils of McLaren Vale and the ancient plantings in the Barossa as well as other pockets of the country, some truly stunning examples of Grenache are emerging.
Here are six of our current favourites that exemplify the quality that can currently be found if you know where to look. Six great modern producers of the grape are featured here and it's terrific value to boot.
- 2023 Van Higgins Free Ball Grenache Cinsault
- 2023 Paralian Marmont Vineyard Grenache
- 2023 Varney Wines Limited Release Grenache
- 2023 Spinifex Papillon
- 2023 Cirillo Vincent Grenache
- 2021 Brash Higgins GR/M Grenache Mataro
2023 Van Higgins Free Ball Grenache Cinsault
"Here we go! This is everything I love about modern McLaren Vale - pure red fruits, perfume and freshness, lovely fine tannin. A seriously smashable blend from two of our great winemaker mates in Brash and MJC. Proud to offer this little gem exclusively to our customers. Get some!"
- Tom Hollings (Different Drop Co-Founder / Wine Buyer)
We are thrilled to be the only retailer in the country to offer you access to this exciting collaboration between two of McLaren Vale's finest producers.
The Van Higgins "Free Ball" Grenache Cinsault is a 50/50 blend from the creative minds of good mates Michael J. Corbett (Vanguardist) and Brad Hickey (Brash Higgins). It was conceived over many late nights sharing bottles of 'baller' (hence Free Ball) reds from some of the Rhone Valley's finest, the likes of Gramenon, Rayas, and L’Anglore, a medium-weight red blend that captures the best of McLaren Vale is where they settled.
It's a deliciously harmonious blend of Grenache and Cinsault, each variety bringing its unique flair to the table. The Grenache comes from the gnarled 'goblet' bush vines on Vanguardist's 'Silver Sands' Rende Vineyard in Blewitt Springs. The Cinsault comes from the Lennon Vineyard in McLaren Vale, just outside the front door to Brash Higgins HQ. Half the fruit was destemmed and the other half kept as whole bunches, then ageing in a combo of 600L ceramic eggs and demi-muid barrels. This kept the wine fresh and bright, focused on the excellent fruit quality on display, without the hindrance of heavy-handed oak.
We love the freshness and flow of this wine. It's all red and blue fruit, some frisky spice, floral accents and beautifully shaped tannin that lingers long on the palate.
There were only 123 dozen made and it is only available from the two producers' websites and here at Different Drop.
93 points
"A bold pop of ripe cherry, dried roses, a bit sappy, dried herbs, raspberry too. It’s medium-bodied, a lively and vibrant wine, cherry soda and some turned earth, rosehip tea, fennel crunch, bright cranberry acidity, there’s some clay-like things, and dusty tannin grip, with a juicy/savoury finish of excellent length. It’s fun, and it drinks a treat. Spicy and interesting."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)
2023 Paralian Marmont Vineyard Grenache
After 46 collective vintages at home and abroad, Charlie and Skye settled in McLaren Vale to launch their own brand, focused on old Grenache and Shiraz vines in the northern parts of the region.
Their Grenache was grown by the Cross family in Blewitt Springs. Their beautiful old vines on the Marmont Vineyard produce fruit with wonderful vibrancy and depth.
When handled sensitively, McLaren Vale Grenache is a feast of florals, red berries and sweet spice. And that's just what Charlie and Skye have turned out here. Spectacular stuff for every Grenache lover.
96 points & Top 100 Wines of 2024
"Cranberry, pink peppercorn, freeze-dried raspberry, rosehip, raspberry leaf tea, sumac, cinnamon, white pepper and ground dried orange peel. It’s got grip and tension, so natural of feel, with a savoury line that connects to fruit, both bundled together seamlessly. This is stunning."
- Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)
95 points
"Steely, iron filings, ozone, cherry, raspberry, floral and spicy, honey glazed ham and mint. Medium-bodied, fine emery board tannin, dried herbs and almond, lots of cranberry crunch and energy, with very good length. Lovely wine. Fine Grenache. Picked on the right side of ripeness, with some tangy blood orange flavour in the aftertaste. It’ll do well with a few more years on it."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)
2023 Varney Wines Limited Release Grenache
The 2023 Varney Wines Limited Release Grenache is a tremendous rendition of McLaren Vale’s old-vine Grenache heritage, from emerging star winemaker Alan Varney.
This wine is crafted from 70+-year-old bush vines sourced from three distinct sites: Blewitt Springs, Seaview, and Whites Valley. Each vineyard contributes its unique character, from Blewitt Springs’ aromatic lift to Seaview’s vibrant acidity and Whites Valley’s mid-palate depth. The fruit undergoes cold soaking, partial whole bunch fermentation, and up to 26 days on skins before maturing for eight months in seasoned French oak.
Expect a lively and textured Grenache with layers of cherry, pomegranate, and subtle earthy spice, underscored by fine natural tannins and a vibrant, balanced structure. The cool vintage lends the wine freshness and energy, while its seamless complexity reflects the skilled hand behind its creation.
Equally at home with aromatic Asian dishes, charcuterie, or slow-braised lamb, this is a Grenache for now or for cellaring over the next decade.
95 points
"A thoroughly scrumptious Grenache from McLaren Vale. Techniques like whole bunch, wild ferments, and carbonic maceration create a wine with great energy and fruit vibrancy. Balanced and flavoursome fruit from 70+ year-old vines, with a nice dry savoury dusty character from Blewitt Springs."
- Ray Jordan (Winepilot)
95 points
"From three sites all over 70 years old: Blewitt Springs, Seaview, and Whites Valley. There’s a savoury connectedness of flavour and structure, delivering layers of cherry, cranberry, and rose with vibrancy from the cool year. Fine natural tannins drive flavours long. Very charming indeed."
- Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)
94 points
"Carbonic accents of Turkish delight, red pastille, and lilacs. Impressive density in the mid-palate despite the cooler vintage. Firm tannic structure with briar, leather, and peppercorns. It has stuffing, drive, and verve."
- Ned Goodwin MW (James Suckling)
92 points
"Intense aromas of raspberry coulis and rose petals tempt from the outset. Vibrant and crunchy, with heady, plush fruit precision and great vitality. Fine chewy tannins corral the wine to the finish."
- Gabrielle Poy (The Real Review)
95 points
"Blueberries, boysenberries, raspberries, and pomegranate light up the stage. The energy from carbonic maceration adds vibrancy, while earthy spices, char, and cola deliver a moreish factor. Damn, it’s tasty! An excellent drink that seems to evaporate from the glass all too quickly."
- Steve Leszczynski (QWine Reviews)
2023 Spinifex Papillon
Peter Schell's Papillon is one of the most gluggable reds in the Barossa Valley!
The Spinifex wines cover a wide spectrum, from rich, full-throttled old vine Shiraz all the way to this, a light bodied, energetic Grenache Cinsault blend made for easy day-time drinking.
These styles are certainly in vogue but as usual, winemaking wizard Schell’s winemaking know-how elevates Papillon far beyond your average light red. Sourced from old, dry-grown vines (many over 70 years old) across the Barossa and Eden Valleys, it combines purity of fruit with layers of complexity
Papillon is one of our go-to's and just unbeatable value. What a producer Spinifex is.
2023 Cirillo Vincent Grenache
The Cirillo Vincent Grenache is, year after year, one of the country's best-value Grenache. It's also a homage to Marco's father, who passed down all of his winemaking knowledge (spanning 8 generations!) down to him.
Vincent is a charismatic character, just like his maker. It bucks the trend of big, sweet, oaky Barossa Grenache and sits firmly in the bright, cheery and gluggable camp.
A portion of whole bunches give it a lifted perfume and silky texture, while the use of older French oak and stainless steel ensure this is a lot brighter and bouncier than many of its Barossa counterparts.
Exceedingly easy drinking and tremendous value.
94 points
"Is this the best value red wine in Australia? It'd have to be up there at the pointy end... Savoury and crunchy and just delivers so much enjoyment for the price. A cracker."
- Dave Brookes (Halliday Wine Companion)
2021 Brash Higgins GR/M Grenache Mataro
The 2021 GR/M is Brash Higgins’ take on the classic Grenache-Mataro duo, and it’s a beauty. Crafted from biodynamically grown grapes sourced from the distinctive sandy soils of Blewitt Springs, this blend is a celebration of McLaren Vale’s fresher side, with that signature Brash punch.
Grenache makes up 70% of the blend, bringing those juicy red berry tones, while the Mataro (30%) adds structure, savoury spice, and a hint of dusty earthiness. The two varieties were handpicked together from Yangarra Estate, co-fermented wild for seamless integration, and then aged for 15 months in seasoned French puncheons to bring everything into balance.
Plush yet structured, it’s got that irresistible mix of soft texture and silty tannins that keeps you sipping. There’s a brightness to the finish—almost an amaro-like twist—that leaves you wanting more.
It’s a mid-weight, everyday drinker that’s just complex enough to make you pause and appreciate each sip. Whether you’re after something with a bit of polish or just a wine to share with mates, this GR/M has got you covered.
93 points
“Lots of cherry, sarsaparilla, aniseed, coffee beans, dark chocolate, mint and cinnamon going on. Soft textured with a haze of silty tannin lending some shape, a bright, amaro-like pleasingly bitter finish also a feature. Between hello and goodbye, a sense of ripeness but good balance, plush, medium weight and a well-hewn mesh of the two varieties. Lovely stuff all up.”
- Mike Bennie (The Wine Front)
You May Also Like
