Threefold Shiraz Gin

Shiraz from Christmas Hill Vineyard at Kuitpo, in the Adelaide Hills, and Mourvèdre from Tarwilla Vineyard at Sellicks Hill, in McLaren Vale, make up Threefold's Australian Shiraz Gin. The blend is 60% Shiraz and 40% Mourvèdre, for a gin of 37.5% ABV, sold in 500 ml. Threefold presents it as its autumn harvest gin, evoking crisp walks through the pines.

Spicy · Fruity

The grapes are maceratedMacerationBotanicals soak in alcohol, from a few hours to several days, before distillation to release their aromas.Glossary in Threefold's Aromatic Gin for colour before pressing, and the fresh free-run juice is then blended back in. That gives the gin a deep red colour and a fresh grape character on top of the Aromatic Gin's grapefruit, rosemary, lavender and pepper. Threefold describes layers of velvety dark chocolate, warm spice, stewed currant and lush plum. Mourvèdre brings a darker, slightly savoury depth to the Shiraz's ripe fruit, and the spice of the base gin keeps the finish lively. The result is crisp, spicy and comforting. Free-run juice flows from the grapes before pressing, and it brings a fresh, clean fruit.

The distillery suggests serving it over ice with a slice of orange, or mixing it with squash to sip in the sun. It also suits a NegroniNegroniAn Italian cocktail of equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and red bitter (Campari), served over ice with orange peel. Born in Florence in 1919.Glossary, where the plum and chocolate notes meet the bitter aperitif, and a simple spritz with sparkling wine. A small glass also pairs well with dark chocolate, which echoes the gin's chocolate notes.

To serve, pour 5 cl over clear iceClear iceIce without air bubbles, made by slow, directional freezing. Denser, it melts more slowly and dilutes less.Glossary in a rocks glassRocks glassA short, heavy glass (tumbler) for a spirit over a large ice cube or a short cocktail.Glossary. Express a small orange peel over the drink and add an orange slice. The orange oils lift the dark fruit, and the simple serve keeps the grape character in front.