💎 Hunting in the Grenache Aisle 💎
This week’s pick is a chunky little Grenache from McLaren Vale, chosen partly because it’s a grape we haven’t tackled yet, and mostly because the discount sticker was yelling at us.
And FYI, next week we're trying this sake infused drop. Currently available at half price, why not pick yourself up a bottle and make it interactive.
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A Stumpy Bargain That Misses the Mark 🪵
🍷 Little Giant Free McLaren Vale Grenache (Sorry, threw out the bottle before noting down the vintage)
Grenache has been on our review list for a while now - it’s one of those varietals that’s apparently having a moment. This bottle from Little Giant stood out thanks to its chunky shape, familiar branding, and most importantly a shiny yellow special sticker. Marked down to $15 from a hefty $27.99, it looked like a good ol' fashioned deal!
The bottle’s part of the well-known Little Giant lineup, so expectations were cautiously optimistic. We love a wine that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and this squat bottle with a wombat on the label fits the bill. Hot tip: it actually fits in a standard esky without needing to wedge it diagonally between your mates' beers.
Taste-wise, though...something just didn’t quite hit right. The promise is “fresh, immediately drinkable, deliciously food-friendly wine” that represents the best of McLaren Vale. But for us? It felt like it hadn’t quite found its rhythm. A bit light on its feet, and not in a good way, like it skipped leg day. We were hoping for a little more oomph, but it felt a bit unfinished.
We picked it up at Dan’s for exactly $15 (still sitting at that price if you're curious). Sure, the discount from $27.99 is eye-catching, but truth be told, it drinks more like your average $10 drop. Not offensive, just not fooling anyone into thinking it’s a $28 wine.
The design’s low-key but decent - nothing flash, just the classic Little Giant look. The wombats not subtle, but hey, it screams “Aussie made,” so we’ll let it slide. It’s got the kind of rustic charm you wouldn’t be embarrassed to bring to a Sunday roast, as long as Nanna’s not judging what’s in your glass.
All up, this bottle is fine...just not quite what we were hoping for. If you’re a Grenache fan, it might still be worth a whirl for comparison, but if you’re hoping for a big red to write home about, maybe steer the 4WD in another direction. That said, we’re glad we tried it - every quest needs a few bumps in the road.
VITR Official Score: 6 / 10
👍 Reality vs Perception: Price says $28 hero, taste says $10 filler.
👩🎨 Label Aesthetics: Clean, classic, and wombat-heavy.
👴 Comparison to Nonno’s Home Brew: Nonno would drink it, then give you a look that says “mine's much nicer.”
🪩 Fit for an Engagement Party: Not this one. More suited for a family roast night.
🤑 Keep the Change: It’s on special and even then won't leave any change for snacks from our $15 budget.
Real Talk
📖 Fake It 'Til You Make It
Viticulture: Fancy word for the science of growing wine grapes. Basically gardening, but boozier.
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💡 Sip Tip
4WD Tip: Goon over glass!
Leave the fancy bottles at home and pack a goon bag. Unbreakable, squishable, and won’t destroy your car’s upholstery if things get bumpy.
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🍿 Sip & Snack
This Grenache & Charcuterie: If you do pick up this drop, pair it with a grazing board. Something salty and cheesy might help fill in the gaps the wine leaves behind.
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Until Next Week, Cheers 🍷
Little Giant Free McLaren Vale Grenache: Easy to carry, easy to drink, but not exactly the red that’ll rewrite the rules. See you next week for our sake infused adventure.
Know someone who needs a reminder that not all wine discounts are created equal? Forward this their way.
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