2024 Little Reddie Colbinabbin Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso

Dark, spicy and wildly expressive — this is a serious, savoury red with depth and character. Black cherry, blood orange, cinnamon spice and firm, vertical tannins with amaro-like complexity — one of the most exciting Italian varietal expressions in the country

93 Points - Halliday Wine Companion 

Heathcote, VIC

$46 a bottle
Italian Varietal • Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso • Little Reddie • Heathcote

"Dark, spicy and wildly expressive — this is a serious, savoury red with depth and character. Black cherry, blood orange, cinnamon spice and firm, vertical tannins with amaro-like complexity — one of the most exciting Italian varietal expressions in the country."

Tasting Notes

Appearance:
Deep purple with dark olive tones — rich, brooding and intense.

Aroma:
Highly complex and layered with:

• black cherry and plum
• blood orange and dark berries
• cinnamon, clove and spice
• rosemary, tobacco and forest floor

Aromatic, savoury and seriously intriguing — Refosco's signature dark fruit and spice character with the cool-climate precision of Heathcote's distinctive red Cambrian soils.

Palate:
Medium to full-bodied with firm, vertical tannins and balanced acidity.
Expect layers of:

• dark fruit, black cherry and plum
• blood orange and amaro notes
• liquorice, spice and herbal complexity
• firm, vertical tannins driving structure and length
• balanced acidity adding tension and extraordinary length

The wine delivers dark fruit depth with savoury, European-inspired complexity — a bold, structured and seriously interesting red that rewards adventurous drinkers and lovers of Italian varietals.

Finish:
Long, savoury and pleasantly bitter with lingering spice, dark fruit and amaro-like complexity.

Vineyard & Winemaking

• Sourced from Chalmers Vineyard, Colbinabbin, Heathcote — one of Australia's most important alternative variety nurseries
• Small parcel — just a few rows of this rare Italian variety
• Fermented in stainless steel with extended skin contact
• Oxygen used to soften tannins and build structure

About Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso

Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso is a traditional Italian grape from Friuli-Venezia Giulia in north-eastern Italy, known for producing deeply coloured, high-acid, savoury and structured wines of extraordinary character. In Australia, the Chalmers family at Colbinabbin have been the pioneering force in trialling and propagating Italian varieties, and their Refosco is one of the most exciting and distinctive expressions of this rare variety outside of Italy. Little Reddie's version keeps its European soul while showcasing the distinctive character of Heathcote's red Cambrian soils.

It represents:

• one of Australia's most exciting and rare Italian varietal expressions — sourced from the pioneering Chalmers Vineyard
• Little Reddie's commitment to showcasing the extraordinary potential of alternative varieties in central Victoria
• a genuinely conversation-worthy red for adventurous drinkers and lovers of Italian varietals

Wine Details

• Vintage: 2023
• Variety: Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso
• Vineyard: Chalmers Vineyard, Colbinabbin
• Region: Heathcote, VIC
• Producer: Little Reddie
• Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
• Cellaring: Drink now – 2032

Food Pairings

• Chargrilled meats
• Slow-braised lamb
• Game dishes
• Italian cuisine — pasta al ragù, osso buco
• Hard aged cheeses

Why We Love It

This is not your average red — savoury, textural and seriously interesting. Dark, spicy and wildly expressive Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso from one of central Victoria's most exciting boutique producers.
At $46, it's a standout for adventurous drinkers looking for something different, conversation-worthy and genuinely unlike anything else in the Australian market.

Perfect for lovers of Italian varietals, savoury reds and great-value alternative wine.