Little Giant McLaren Vale Grenache 2024 (Australia)

Description

Oak, Raspberry, Vanilla

"Beautifully fruited and fragrant, the bouquet shows ripe plum, wild strawberry mixed spice, and floral aromas. The palate offers silky flow and fleshy texture, splendidly framed by beautifully melded tannins, finishing persistent and velvety" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

The Little Giant Grenache is vibrant and juicy, bursting with red cherry, raspberry, and hints of wild strawberry. Subtle notes of spice, dried herbs, and earthy undertones add complexity to the plush, medium-bodied palate. Fine tannins and bright acidity carry through to a smooth, lingering finish.

The southern hairy-nose wombat is smaller than other wombats but is stocky, robust and the proud state emblem of South Australia. Like the might of the little wombat, Little Giant is crafted from premium regional South Australian fruit from established vineyards that deliver character and interest well above their size and weight. Hand-crafted and made with minimal additions and preservatives, these are wines made of the vineyard. The grapes are picked at optimal ripeness, minimally handled in the winery and fruit vibrancy is not hidden by non-essential artefact. Seeking first and foremost fruit expression, drinkability and to be a great accompaniment to food. Don’t let the size fool you, these are wines you’ll want to drink.

The 2024 vintage in McLaren Vale began with nearly double the average June rainfall, setting up healthy soil moisture ahead of a dry, warm start to the season. A mild winter and spring led to early flowering, though significant rain in November and December required careful vineyard management. The dry harvest period provided ideal ripening conditions, with strong varietal expression across all red varieties.

Little Giant Grenache was crafted from a combination of older and younger vine Grenache vineyards within Seaview and Willunga. Small 3-5 tonne batches of high quality handpicked fruit were fermented separately in open top fermenters. Minimal daily plunging ensued to gently build colour and the tannin profile without over extraction before being transferred partially to older oak and the remainder to stainless steel tank for maturation prior to blending and bottling.