Ever had your phone autocorrect a word into something hilariously off-base? A mistake by Siri has now become what may just be the world’s first wine label born from an autocorrect error, Grant Nash.
Co-founder Sam Martin explains that if you say “Grenache” quickly enough into an iPhone, Siri will hilariously turn it into “Grant Nash.”
Grant Nash wines are all about simplicity and purity, with minimal additions and vegan-friendly practices, their reds and rosés let the true character of Grenache shine. Sourced from some of McLaren Vale’s best-kept vineyard blocks, each wine is crafted with a light touch, ensuring that the vibrant, fresh flavours are front and centre.
The name Grant Nash started as an inside joke between longtime friends, Sam Martin and Sophie Richards, as they set out to start their wine brand but it stuck! Affectionately referring to it as “Grant”.
After going their separate ways to explore the world and gain diverse winemaking experiences, they met again working at Hardys Wine in 2003. Sam and Sophie shared passion for wine and a dream, to craft a wine of their own.
That’s where Sam learned all about vintages under trailblazing winemaker, Stephen Pannell. Sam says he quickly fell in love with the process.
“He was producing Grenache in all different styles from grapes sources across different regions around McLaren Vale,” he reflected.
“It just blew my mind!”
Fast forward to 2022, after raising families and accumulating a wealth of industry knowledge, Sam and Sophie decided to turn their dream into reality and Grant Nash was born.
Sam says they’re creating a fun new wine for the “younger generation of wine drinkers”.
On the menu is three blends, each named after the time of day to drink them – an any-time, lunch time and dinner time wine.
Sam says they want the wines to be approachable and uncomplicated.
“It’s all about just having a bit of fun and drinking some nice wine,” he said.
The anytime wine is a Grenache Graciano Rose 2024 blend with a delicious, fresh and aromatic rose with the palest of onion skin blush. Watermelon, strawberry, rhubarb and blood orange zest segue into a crisp, mouthwatering finish. The blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Graciano, will even convert your “No way Rosé!” mates.
“We made it for ourselves but that’s the one people are asking the most for,” chuckled Sam.
The wine made for lunch time is the Grenache Shiraz Carignan (2022), a lifted and vibrant blend featuring cherry, raspberry, rhubarb, fennel and a twist of green peppercorn. A juicy core of sweet raspberry fruits tempered by sappy tannins make this a salivating and moreish drink.
The lunch wine – or any time of the day wine for that matter – can be served chilled or not with a 66% Grenache, 23% Shiraz and 11% Carignan blend, hand harvested from gnarly old McLaren Flat bush vines planted in 1941.
The star of the show is the dinner wine, a Mourvedre Grenache Shiraz from 2022 with notes of dark cherry, damson plum, cola, salted licorice, bitter chocolate, exotic spice and dried herb. Treat yourself with a blend of 46% Mourvèdre, 35% Grenache and 19% Shiraz in this a modern take on the great Southern Rhone blends, which inspired Sam and Sophie during their winemaking journey.
Launching last year, the range is available at local stockists – Belair Fine Wines, Hutt Street Cellars, Fall from Grace – restaurants around town – Gilbert Street Hotel, Roxie’s and the Crown and Anchor – and online.
Sam also teased a new straight Grenache coming out later this year.
“It’s something new for us, we aim make the best wines possible all centred around Grenache,” Sam said.
Every sip of Grant Nash is a nod to the rich history of McLaren Vale and the friendship that brought this wine to life. Raise a glass of Grant Nash and say “Cheers Siri!”
What: Grant Nash Wines
For more information: https://grantnash.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Grantnashwines
