Inspired Winemaking Comes From Yesterday

For the lucky few, inspired winemaking starts with a parochial family vision that is passed down, shared and enhanced as generations come and pass.  This was Thorn-Clarke's path.

"...our family objective is to showcase the best that the Barossa has to offer..."

The families of vineyard owners David and Cheryl Clarke (nee Thorn) have grown grapes in the Barossa since the 1870's.  Now, over six generations of grape growing and winemaking experience goes into each Thorn-Clarke wine.

Intriguingly, during the 1980's Australian governments were sponsoring grape growers to upheave their vines from the ground in an attempt to reduce wine oversupply, or 'wine glut'.  Despite this and with a clear vision in mind the Clarkes purchased parcels of Barossan soil that now give rise to some of the best value, high-quality wines in the region.  While they ended up finding four great locations to lay their vines... inspired winemaking only begins in the vineyard. 

Showing great respect for the diversity of flavours that grapes develop in the Barossa - the family's winemaker Derek Fitzgerald carefully blends wine from the four vineyards to make his final wines.  Two vineyards are in the cooler Eden Valley, while the other two are situated in the much warmer and more humid Barossa Floor.  

Originally a Chemical Engineer, Derek's use of oak barrel char to create highly flavoursome, rustic yet soft wines is far from chemicular - more closely akin to art.  Depending on the varietal in question, Derek has been known to blend American and French oaked wine bases together to improve both texture and palate length of the final product.

Thorn-Clarke produce four principal ranges.  From the top end (most exclusive) downwards they produce William Randell Shiraz, Shotfire, Terra Barossa and Sandpiper.

To adapt the words of Aristotle, the sum of a Thorn-Clarke wine is far greater than its parts. - Daniel Jess