2021 Delinquente “Tuff Nutt” Bianco D’Alessano Pet’Net

Region: Riverland < South Australia < Australia
Grapes: Bianco D'Alessano
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified organic farming, sandy/clay soil, fermented in stainless steel with 2 months lees contact; bottled unfined/unfiltered with minimal So2; 10% ABV
Winemaker: Con-Greg Grigoriou

NEW VINTAGE!

We first met twenty-something Con-Greg Grigoriou of Delinquente at RAW, the natural wine fair in LA this year. He was charming, but his wines sealed the deal. Which is surprising, considering where they’re from: Southern Australia’s large, industrial farming region called Riverland, akin to California’s central valley, where any wine produced is large-scale, commercial plonk that is definitely not organic. But he wanted to prove that his homeland, a sea of BIG WINE, was capable of producing pure, terroir-driven, “smashable” juice, as he puts it -- and perhaps pave the way for others artisan producers. All of his fruit is certified organic, since 2009. The wines are all tiny production and single-vineyard, fermented in stainless steel with wild yeast, with edgy labels from his pal, local Adelaide street artist Ankles. He focuses on southern Italian varietals because he feels they work well in the warm Aussie climate. We approve. This cloudy pet’net is a porch POUNDER with its zing of acid, bright citrus and stone fruit, and surprising creaminess. Plus, a percentage from every bottle sold is donated to charities dedicated to the support of domestic abuse victims. Delicious, only 10% alcohol, and supremely crushable – plus every sip supports a good cause -- this natty bottle of bubbles checks all the boxes!