De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate Rosé 2025

Winemaking Notes

This dry style rosé is crafted by winemaker Marc Scalzo from a blend of Grenache, Grenache Blanc, Shiraz, and Mourvèdre grapes sourced from carefully selected De Bortoli vineyards across the Rutherglen region. The Grenache is grown at Shelley's and Melville's vineyards on the eastern edge of Rutherglen, producing dry savoury rosé wine with brightness and poise. The Grenache Blanc and Mourvèdre are from the east-facing Melville's Vineyard, which enhances delicate varietal definition and flavour, whilst the Shiraz is from Burgoyne's Vineyard, picked early to capture fresh red berry characters. The red grapes are pressed gently to capture the delicate, sweet fruit characters before any tannins have been extracted. All varieties are fermented separately using aromatic yeast and cool fermentation temperatures to enhance aromatics, creating a fruit-driven and delicious rosé that showcases the best of each variety.

Vintage Conditions

Rutherglen experienced a warmer and drier than average growing season in 2025. Most months had maximum daytime temperatures above the long-term average by approximately 3°C. Except for a wet November, every month had below average rainfall, though the wet November set up the vineyards for the drier summer. Even though maximum daytime temperatures were above average, there were no extreme weather events or extended heatwave periods, just extended hot weather. After spring, there was very low disease pressure, and careful irrigation ensured the vines maintained a healthy canopy. All whites were picked in very good condition with good varietal flavours. The reds and muscats benefited from the warm and dry season with some very good parcels of fruit, making 2025 a very strong year with good intensity and colour whilst maintaining freshness—a vintage to savour.