Ballinaclash 'Ned' Touriga Nacional 2022
Primary flavours
Blue Fruit
Purple Bramble Berries
Cola
Violet
Details
Touriga Nacional (Touriga for short) has become a fave at Ballinaclash, with wines like this savoury red leading the way. It smells of fancy cola (not Coke!), blue and purple berries with a medium-bodied and finely tannic palate that is rather energetic and lively.
The Ballinaclash story is as much about fruit as it is wine. In 1965, Michael and Bernie Mullany started a cherry and stonefruit orchard in the fertile hills around Young, central NSW. Grapes didn't come into the equation until '97, when the next generation of Mullany's took over and planted the first vines. Now, the Ballinaclash property grows 14 different cherry cultivars, 13 grape varieties, and a huge range of stone fruit, complete with a fun pick-your-own fruit business that runs on the weekends. Historically, the Ballinaclash grapes have gone to other winemakers, including a group of top-shelf Canberra wineries, such as Clonakilla, Nick O'Leary, and Collector Wines, but the Mullany fam also have Orange-based winemaker Chris Derez making a small amount of frankly delicious wines that we really like.
The Ballinaclash story is as much about fruit as it is wine. In 1965, Michael and Bernie Mullany started a cherry and stonefruit orchard in the fertile hills around Young, central NSW. Grapes didn't come into the equation until '97, when the next generation of Mullany's took over and planted the first vines. Now, the Ballinaclash property grows 14 different cherry cultivars, 13 grape varieties, and a huge range of stone fruit, complete with a fun pick-your-own fruit business that runs on the weekends. Historically, the Ballinaclash grapes have gone to other winemakers, including a group of top-shelf Canberra wineries, such as Clonakilla, Nick O'Leary, and Collector Wines, but the Mullany fam also have Orange-based winemaker Chris Derez making a small amount of frankly delicious wines that we really like.
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Taste Profile
This wine’s tasting notes.
Sweetness
nonesomelots
Body
lightmediumfull
Fruitiness
lowmediumhigh
Tannins
lowmediumhigh
Acidity
lowmediumhigh
Oak
nonesomelots
Alcohol
low
(under 12%)medium
(12-14%)high
(14%+)
Taste Summary
This wine’s tasting notes are leaning towards medium bodied, low sweetness, with medium acidity, some fruitiness, medium tannins, medium alcohol and some oak.
Specs
Region
Hilltops
country
Australia
Grape type
Touriga Nacional
Wine Maker
Ballinaclash
Alcohol
13.2%
Vintage
2022
Cellar period
5-10 years
Closure
Screw Cap
Production method
Vegan
Temperature
Room Temperature 15°C-18°C
State
NSW
Pairing guide
While most Touriga is typically bold and tannic, this Ballinaclash wine is far more medium-bodied and savoury, all of which makes it a quiet champion in the pairing department. We particularly like this wine with slow-cooked meat, mushroom and eggplant, with the classic Turkish/Moroccan/Middle Eastern combination of dark meat marinated or served with yoghurt, as well as other Arabian classics like lamb and rabbit filo pies. Rustic, hearty dishes featuring plenty of pulses, beans and lentils are also going to be great, and it’s also a red wine which works especially well with grilled and spiced eggplant!
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Food
Slow Cooked Pork
Eggplant
Tastes
Bitter
Fatty
Moods
Contemplative
Creative
Seasons
Autumn
Spring
Cooler Months
Recipe Matches
Wine region
Hilltops, Australia
The Hilltops is a cool climate wine region located due west and slightly south of Sydney, known for its rolling hills and fertile soil. This region produces high-quality, full-bodied red wines, including Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as crisp and refreshing white wines, like Chardonnay and Riesling. The winemakers of Hilltops are passionate about their craft, using traditional techniques and innovative methods to create wines that showcase the region's unique terroir. A small region, but a mighty one!
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