Ruggabellus
We’re not the first to call the Barossa Valley a vinous paradise. With nutrient rich soils, hugely conducive climate and historic old vine plantings to draw on, even a sub-par winemaker might readily turn out some drinkable stuff.
With such a stacked deck, a winemaker might be forgiven for resting on their laurels (or backside) and coasting along with the fair winds. Decidedly not the chosen approach of Abel Gibson through his label Ruggabellus.
Minimal intervention, biodynamic, organic.
Naysaying those who pigeonhole Barossa as ‘Old World’, Abe’s approach is boldly innovative. No tossing baby out with the bathwater, but he’s definitely made strides in redefining what Barossa (and Eden Valley) can be.
Minimal intervention, biodynamic, organic. Winemaking that centres expression of terroir, and the quirks of each vintage therein. Hero grapes of the Rhône valley like Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvedre and Cinsault get fresh legs through experimental blending. Concentrated, minerally more-ish Riesling and Semillon get a hot new look and tantalising texture with time on skins.
Minimal intervention, biodynamic, organic. Winemaking that centres expression of terroir, and the quirks of each vintage therein. Hero grapes of the Rhône valley like Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvedre and Cinsault get fresh legs through experimental blending. Concentrated, minerally more-ish Riesling and Semillon get a hot new look and tantalising texture with time on skins.
Use of indigenous yeasts and more limited oak influence allow purity of fruit to take centre stage in Ruggabellus wines, and of course there’s just something special about the care factor that goes into a limited release run. Are we seduced by scarcity? Maybe. But also by sustainability, and through his commitment to slow growth and eco-friendly production, Gibson continues to pave the way.
This is wine that gets the wine-nerds tight in the trousers, sure. But it drinks bloody well no matter how scholarly your palate. Stash some in the cellar whenever you can get it.
This is wine that gets the wine-nerds tight in the trousers, sure. But it drinks bloody well no matter how scholarly your palate. Stash some in the cellar whenever you can get it.
Ruggabellus
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Fluus Red Blend 2022
$48.00
- Currently Unavailable!
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Abel Gibson isn't afraid of the big bad wolf, or a big Barossa red. However, his forays into the world of softer, subtler interpretations of Barossa fruit flavour are a masterclass in making delicacy delicious. This here beautifully balanced blend of Cinsault, Mataro, Grenache and Syrah typifies the approach. Savoury and bright, rounded by a little drizzle of oily richness.
Ruggabellus
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Sallio White Blend NV
$48.00
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"Winemaking techniques that amplify aromatics and succulence.". Abel Gibson, you big flirt. With spinetingling texture, this balanced blend of Riesling, Muscat and Semillon is confident winemaking embodied. Not only a blend of varieties but also vintages, three in fact, 2019, 2021 and 2022 made the cut. Sallio means to concentrate, and a little skin contact does nothing to distract from the fun flavour here. Ginger, green apple, nutty complexity. Dangerously delish.
'Hero grapes of the Rhône valley like Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvedre and Cinsault get fresh legs through experimental blending. Concentrated, minerally more-ish Riesling and Semillon get a hot new look and tantalising texture with time on skins.'
