Producer Profile

One Chain Vineyards, like Thistledown is overseen by Peter Leske, Giles Cooke MW and Fergal Tynan MW. Comprising two ranges, Cricket Series and Character Series, One Chain works with growers to source fruit from some of the most established regions of South Australia. Our Character Series has a range of beautifully produced and packaged wines, benefiting from the same ultra premium quality fruit sourced for Thistledown. Each wine has great varietal definition coupled with our signature vibrancy and freshness. These are wines that are immediately pleasing, yet authentic expression of the variety and place. Our Cricket Series wines are inspired by a love for the Australian national sport. Indeed, the name One Chain is the imperial measurement for 22 yards, or the length of a cricket pitch. However, you really don’t need to be a connoisseur of the game to be bowled over by the restrained, elegant style of the Chardonnay and the bright red fruit and subtle oak of the Shiraz Cabernet.

Viticulture

The fruit is sourced from Justin Ardill’s easterly facing vineyard situated in the famed Watervale sub-region of the Clare Valley. The vines are grown on their own roots in a soil consisting of red clay over limestone. Yields at just 2 tons per acre are very low which ensures high quality, concentrated fruit

Winemaking

Vinification, as one might expect with good fruit, is very simple. The grapes are picked in the cool of the morning and rapidly transported to the winery where they are lightly crushed and sent to press. For the Courtesan, we retain only the purest, free-run juice. The wine is fermented at a cool temperature in stainless steel to retain fruit profile and the finished wine is aged on its lees for 2-3 months before bottling.

Oak Treatment

No oak treatment.

Tasting Note

Capturing all the mouthwatering lime and elderflower character one expects from great Riesling, the Courtesan has a voluptuous palate hinting at grapefruit, ripe melon and quince.