Two Hands : Brave Faces GSM 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes for Brave Faces GSM 2023 by Two Hands

Tasting

Colour
The colour reveals a beautiful bright cherry-red hue.

Nose
The nose is intense and airy, revealing aromas of stone fruit such as apricot, accompanied by delicate floral notes that lend it a lovely vibrancy.

Palate
The attack is initially discreet before opening up generously. The palate offers juicy, smooth fruit, blending stone fruit and dark berry flavours with subtle earthy touches. The tannins, remarkably fine, caress the palate, while moderate acidity preserves the brightness of the fruit, leading into a mouth-watering finish.

Food and wine pairing

This wine pairs wonderfully with roast lamb, grilled meats or a mushroom stew. It also enhances Mediterranean cuisine such as ratatouille, slow-cooked dishes like coq au vin or tajine, as well as aged cheeses and charcuterie platters.

Service and storage

To fully appreciate this wine from Barossa Valley, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. This wine can be enjoyed now, but it will continue to evolve favourably until around 2033.

The elegance and generosity of an Australian red wine by Two Hands

The estate

Founded in September 1999 by Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz, Two Hands is located in the renowned Barossa Valley region. This exceptional terroir is found in Southern Australia. Born from a desire to showcase the regional diversity of Australian wines, the estate quickly distinguished itself through its négociant approach, selecting the finest fruit from across the country. Today, the estate is led by its co-owners, Michael Twelftree and Pierre-Henri Morel. Renowned worldwide for its uncompromising commitment to quality, the estate is also known for its sustainable practices and respect for the environment.

The vineyard

This Australian red wine pays vibrant tribute to the region's winegrowers who fought against vine-pull campaigns in the 1980s, thereby preserving precious old vines. The fruit is carefully selected from partner growers, reflecting the richness and diversity of this terroir.

The vintage

The year 2023, marked by a second consecutive La Niña event, began with above-average winter rainfall. Spring and summer proved particularly mild. A slightly late flowering led to slow berry ripening, pushing back the harvest by around three weeks. These favourable conditions, combined with lower yields, resulted in a harvest of exceptional quality.

Winemaking and aging

The design of this wine relies on managing each grape variety separately. The berries are destemmed and crushed in open fermenters. The Syrah undergoes daily pump-overs, while the Grenache (incorporating 20% whole bunches) and Mourvèdre undergo a cold pre-fermentation maceration followed by gentle punching down. The press wine is blended back with the free-run juice. Aging takes place over 12 to 14 months, split between concrete tanks, old barrels and around 10% new French oak barrels.

Grape varieties

Grenache (79%), Mourvèdre (18%), Syrah (3%).