Ballinaclash 'Tom' Touriga Tempranillo 2023
Primary flavours
Black Cherry
Blackcurrant
Dark Plum
Anise
Bramble
Chocolate
Green Peppercorn
Leather
Rosemary
Smoke
Details
Touriga blends make some of the most famous Portuguese reds, but we're not in Portugal here! This Hilltops red is a lovely savoury drink, though with the combination of mulberry, dried herbs and fine tannins that make it a really enjoyable medium-bodied red.
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 Blend
Wine Maker
Ballinaclash
Alcohol
13.4%
Vintage
2023
Cellar period
5-10 years
Closure
Screw Cap
Production method
Vegan
Temperature
Room Temperature 15°C-18°C
State
NSW
Pairing guide
With all of its Portuguese leanings, you’ll want to match this one up with classic Iberian flavours of spiced pork stews, smoked paprika and braised chorizo, or roast chicken with a smoky peri-peri rub. Moroccan dishes like lamb tagine, stuffed mushrooms, roast aubergine and chargrilled zucchini will also taste fantastic here, especially if served with saffron rice or some heritage grains.
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Food
Italian
Grilled Meat
Spanish Cuisine
Grilled Vegetables
Beef Stews
Red Meat
Lamb
Tastes
Bitter
Earthy
Fruity
Rich
Moods
Contemplative
Creative
Romantic
Mood for something different
Seasons
Autumn
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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