2022 Billy Button The Unexpected Aglianico

91 points Halliday

The Unexpected - Bold Australian Aglianico

Critical Recognition

Unexpected Single Vineyard Expression - Exceptional wine showcasing the potential of Italian varieties in Australian terroir

"Like an unexpected discovery, this exceptional Aglianico delivers bold character and remarkable complexity from a distinctive Australian vineyard site."

The 2022 Billy Button The Unexpected Aglianico represents an exciting exploration of Italian varieties in Australian terroir. This bold wine showcases the structured power of Aglianico - one of Italy's most noble red varieties - creating a wine that's both distinctive and delicious. This wine demonstrates how the right site and winemaking approach can elevate an unexpected variety to extraordinary heights.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep ruby-red with garnet highlights and excellent concentration

Aroma: Bold bouquet of dark cherry, blackberry, and plum, enhanced by notes of violet, leather, and subtle earthiness. The Aglianico contributes structure and complexity with layers of dried herbs, tobacco, and dark chocolate

Palate: Full-bodied with excellent balance and complexity. Flavors of dark fruit, black cherry, and plum blend harmoniously with spice, cedar, and firm tannins that provide structure and aging potential

Finish: Long and satisfying with persistent dark fruit, spice complexity, and the kind of bold character that makes this variety so compelling

Wine Details

Vintage: 2022
Variety: Aglianico
Region: Australia
Producer: Billy Button
Style: Single Vineyard Italian Variety
Serving Temperature: 16-18°C
Cellaring: Drink now or cellar for 10-15 years

Food Pairings

• Slow-braised lamb shanks with rosemary
• Grilled ribeye steak with peppercorn sauce
• Italian-style osso buco
• Rich tomato-based pasta dishes
• Aged Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Wood-fired pizza with cured meats

Producer Background

Billy Button has established itself as an innovative producer willing to explore the potential of unexpected varieties in Australian conditions. Their approach to winemaking combines respect for traditional techniques with the adventurous spirit needed to create distinctive wines like this Aglianico, showcasing their commitment to quality and innovation.

Regional Character

Billy Button's vineyard provides the ideal terroir for this Italian variety, with conditions that allow Aglianico to express its distinctive character of power, structure, and complexity. The vineyard's unique microclimate and soil composition contribute to the wine's bold character and exceptional quality.

Value & Investment

At $30, this Aglianico represents excellent value for a distinctive wine from an unexpected variety. As wine lovers increasingly seek alternatives to mainstream varieties, bold expressions like this offer both immediate drinking pleasure and the potential for appreciation as unique varietal expressions gain recognition.

Discover the unexpected - a bold Aglianico that delivers powerful character and remarkable complexity from this distinctive Australian vineyard site!