Thorn-Clarke

 

Thorn-Clarke wines is 100% family owned. They have been growing grapes in the world-renowned Barossa region for over 130 years and six generations of the family. The wines produced by Thorn-Clarke are highly regarded the world over and have received over 20 awards both in Australia and internationally, including its Shotfire and Sandpiper Shiraz wines.

The name Thorn-Clarke derives from the long-standing relationship of two Barossa families, the Thorns and the Clarkes. Today they are one of Barossa Valley’ largest grape growers and winemakers, boasting 700 acres of vineyard across four different sites in the Barossa and Eden Valleys.

Thorn-Clarke offers a range of red, white and sparkling wines at different price points. Their quality reflects the attention to detail both in the vineyards and the winery, backed up by a century and a half of experience.

Explore The Range

 

The Vineyards

The company owns vineyards not only in the Barossa Valley but also in the adjoining Eden Valley. Here the altitude is higher, and the climate is cooler, providing perfect conditions for the production of white wine from Chardonnay and Pinot Gris grapes.

 

Eden Valley

Milton Park and Mount Crawford vineyards are located in the Eden Valley.

Mount Crawford has a north facing aspect which provides warmth in the spring and autumn months. The grapes achieve excellent flavour and acid levels from the tough mountain soil making the vines work harder. This site was specially selected because it was considered suitable for growing grapes that respond to a colder climate. Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris are some of the grapes that grow well here.

Milton Park has an elevation of between 330 and 400 metres above sea level. The majority of the vineyard (Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon) was situated to maximise fruit exposure to the autumn sunshine. The Petit Verdot vines were planted where they would receive lower levels of direct sunlight.

 

Barossa Valley

Here the company owns the Kabininge and St. Kitts and Truro vineyards.

The 33 acre Kabininge vineyard is an example of true Barossa Valley Floor Terroir. Red wine grapes grow easily in this vineyard, thanks to the dark grey to dark brown carbonaceous soils. The vineyard predominantly produces Shiraz, which is the variety the valley is best known for. Smaller quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc can also be found here.

St Kitts and Truro cover a total of 103 hectares, have their own micro-climate and a lower amount of rainfall a year than Kabininge. The conditions at these vineyards make the vines work harder and as a result the flavour profiles are intense and the acid levels are high. Shiraz does particularly well in this environment, and it can be found in addition to other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.

 

The Wine

Thorn-Clarke has a wide range of grape varieties at their disposal and different flavours characteristic of the individual vineyards.

2018 Shiraz
This Barossa Shiraz by Thorn-Clarke has a distinct, intense red colour with vivid purple hues. It combines well-balanced tannins with flavours such as black cherries, mulberries and satsuma plums. This is a delicious, full-bodied wine with a great mouthfeel and length of flavour.

2020 Pinot Gris
A beautiful wine that’s pale straw in colour with bright green hues. Taste notes include zesty notes of finger lime and grapefruit, combined with the sweeter notes of white nectarine. The Pinot Gris has aromas of rose petals, nashi pear and elderflower and a great length of flavour.

2018 Shotfire
Midweight and juicy, this is a classic GSM (Granache, Shiraz, Mouvedre). It is a stunning bright crimson colour with tinges of purple at the edge of the glass. Aromas of ripe plum, mulberry and white pepper draw you in and the palate is vibrant with taste notes of cherries, forest fruits and spice.

2016 Ron Thorn Flagship Shiraz
This wine was crafted as a tribute to Cheryl Clarke’s late father Ron. It is given 20 months of barrel maturation, and each bottle is given six months in bottle prior to release. It is an inky, deep red-purple hue with a dense and powerful palate with mouth filling presence. The drinker enjoys taste notes of dark fruits, cocoa combined with hints of smoke and spice. Firm and powerful tannins complement the ripe fruit, giving the palate impressive presence.

2020 Grenache
This wine is from the Thorn-Clarke Single Vineyard Selection range, focusing on small batch wines that highlight the true characteristics of each individual variety. This Grenache is ruby in colour with purple hues, a juicy medium bodied wine with a delicate and complex finish. It is brimming with bright fruit notes of wild strawberries and complemented by the subtle spice of white pepper.

 

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Why buy from Fine Wines Direct UK?

Fine Wines Direct UK are proud to offer the range of classic Australian wines that Thorn-Clarke offers. At all levels they offer excellent value for money.

Fine Wines Direct UK source incredible wines from around the world, we truly are a one stop shop for all your wine-related needs. Our team works incredibly hard to forge long-lasting partnerships with vineyard owners and wine producers across the world, so we can continue to bring exceptional wines to our customers.

If you are someone who prefers to buy your wine in person rather than online, we would be delighted to see you in our shop in Cardiff, South Wales. Here one of our friendly experts will be happy to give you their advice to help you find wines that are perfect for your palate and budget.

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