Chalk Hill Tempranillo Grenache 2023 is a trophy-winning blend of elegance and finesse from McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley — a bouquet of red berries, floral aromas, and delicate hints of Turkish delight and red liquorice, complemented by earthy and leathery spices and a subtle touch of pepper. Medium-bodied on the palate with fresh raspberry, mulberry, and pomegranate, warm spices and dried herbs, vibrant acidity, and fine mineral tannins. Trophy winner — Alternate Red Blends, National Wine Show 2025. 47% Tempranillo, 46% Grenache, 7% Graciano.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Vibrant ruby with the fresh, luminous colour of a cool-climate 2023 vintage — the hallmark of elegant, finesse-driven winemaking from old-vine Grenache and Tempranillo across McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley.
Aroma
Inviting and complex — red berries lead with freshness and lift, with floral aromas adding delicacy and intrigue. Delicate hints of Turkish delight and red liquorice add a distinctive and appealing character, complemented by earthy and leathery spices and a subtle touch of pepper that adds depth and complexity.
Palate
Elegant and medium-bodied — fresh raspberry, mulberry, and pomegranate deliver vibrant fruit character with warmth and generosity, balanced by warm spices and dried herbs. Vibrant acidity and fine mineral tannins provide structure and length, creating a wine of genuine elegance and finesse that reflects the cool, late 2023 vintage conditions beautifully.
Pairs With
Chalk Hill Tempranillo Grenache 2023 is a natural partner for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine — slow-braised lamb, Spanish tapas, paella, roast duck, charcuterie, and aged manchego. The vibrant acidity, fine tannins, and red berry fruit make it equally compelling with herb-crusted chicken and mushroom-based dishes. Serve at 16–18°C.
Awards & Accolades
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Trophy — Alternate Red Blends — National Wine Show of Australia 2025
The National Wine Show is Australia’s premier wine event, featuring only gold and silver medal-winning wines from capital city and regional wine shows — the definitive showcase of the country’s finest winemaking.
Who Should Drink This?
Chalk Hill Tempranillo Grenache 2023 is for lovers of elegant, medium-bodied red blends who want the complexity and finesse of a trophy-winning McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley blend at an accessible price point. It’s a natural choice for anyone who appreciates the distinctive character of Tempranillo and Grenache — and a compelling introduction to the Chalk Hill style for those discovering the winery for the first time.
Why Is the 2023 Vintage Special?
The 2023 vintage in McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley was defined by cool, wet conditions — wet and windy springs impacting flowering and resulting in small crops, with cool and wet conditions continuing into early summer before the rain stopped around Christmas to allow the fruit to ripen. Harvest started much later than average, but the result is wines of exceptional elegance and finesse — fresh fruit flavours, fine tannins, and good acidity that define the 2023 vintage character across both regions.
What Makes This Blend Unique?
Chalk Hill Tempranillo Grenache 2023 is a blend of three Spanish varietals — 47% Tempranillo, 46% Grenache, and 7% Graciano — sourced from old-vine parcels across McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley. The Grenache comes from 25–50 year old vines in Blewitt Springs and Willunga; the Tempranillo from Willunga, Light Pass, and Dorrien; the Graciano from the Slate Creek Willunga vineyard. All parcels were fermented separately in open fermenters for 7–10 days and transferred to older French oak puncheons and hogsheads — no new oak used — preserving the fresh fruit character and fine mineral tannins that define this wine.
What’s Similar?
Fans of Chalk Hill Tempranillo Grenache may also enjoy other McLaren Vale Grenache-based blends for a comparable regional depth and elegance, or explore Barossa Valley Tempranillo expressions for a similar Spanish varietal character in an Australian context. For a step up in complexity within the Chalk Hill range, the winery’s single-varietal expressions are worth exploring.
